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Jen Chaney

As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew Paperback – July 7, 2015

by Jen Chaney (Author)

4.6 134 ratings

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Will we ever get tired of Clueless? Ugh, as if!

Acclaimed pop culture journalist Jen Chaney celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the classic film’s release in the first book of its kind, weaving together original interviews with writer and director Amy Heckerling; key cast members, including Alicia Silverstone (Cher), Paul Rudd (Josh), Stacey Dash (Dionne), Donald Faison (Murray), Elisa Donovan (Amber), Wallace Shawn (Mr. Hall), Twink Caplan (Ms. Geist and associate producer); and other crucial Clueless players like costume designer Mona May, casting director Marcia Ross, director of photography Bill Pope, former Paramount chairwoman Sherry Lansing, and many more. Cast and crew also pay heartfelt tribute to the late Brittany Murphy, who lit up the screen as Cher’s protégée, Tai.

Chaney explores the influence of Jane Austen’s Emma as the unlikely framework for Heckerling’s script, the rigorous casting process (including the future stars who didn’t make the cut), the functional yet fashion-forward wardrobe, the unique slang that drew from the past and coined new phrases for the future, the sun-drenched soundtrack that set the tone, and—above all—the massive amount of work, creativity, and craft that went into making Clueless look so effortlessly bright and glossy.

As If! illuminates why plaid skirts and knee socks will never go out of style, and why Clueless remains one of the most beloved comedies of all time.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publication date

July 7, 2015
Dimensions

5.5 x 0.88 x 8.38 inches
ISBN-10

1476799083
ISBN-13

978-1476799087
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"It's one of those books we needed without realizing it: an oral history of the making of Clueless. . . . A treat for fans." ― People

“For its 20th birthday, the 90s classic Clueless gets a hilarious—and comprehensive—oral history.” ― Entertainment Weekly (Must List selection)

"Chaney’s homage does not disappoint. . . . [She] weaves a glittery web, one that’s hard to walk away from once you’re drawn in. . . . For us middle-aged Gen X-ers and our adolescent offspring who still watch Clueless at sleepovers, As If! is a must. In fact, it’s phat! Which is high praise, indeed." ― Washington Post

“In As If!, everyone involved with the picture is interviewed, giving fans a window into how the movie became a classic.” ― New York Post

“[Chaney] seems to have gotten just about everyone involved in Clueless to talk to her about the making of the movie. . . . The behind-the-scenes memories will thrill those who loved the movie, and Chaney makes a good case for its enduring influence.” ― Boston Globe

"This book is a must-read for every girl who ever considered buying a white Jeep in honor of Cher Horowitz." ― The Zoe Report

"Chaney expertly peppers juicy details about the film's making . . . with honest celebrity insights." ― Flavorpill

"Packed with awesome behind-the-scenes shots, old-fashioned Polaroids, and every factoid you'll ever need to know, the book should be a bible for 'Clueless' trivia contestants and uber-fans everywhere." ― Refinery29

“Chaney rounded up the cast, crew and other crucial Clueless players to spill behind-the-scenes secrets about the movie. All the juicy stories are in her new book.” ― Metro

About the Author

Jen Chaney has been a journalist for twenty years and has spent much of that time writing about movies, television, and popular culture. She currently writes reviews, feature stories, essays, and TV analyses for numerous publications, including New York magazine, The Washington Post, Esquire, Salon, and Yahoo.com. Chaney is a graduate of the College of William & Mary, and lives with her husband, son, and beagle just outside of Washington, DC.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books; Illustrated edition (July 7, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1476799083
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1476799087
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.9 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.38 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #616,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #583 in Movie Direction & Production
- #1,211 in Movie History & Criticism
- #5,441 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies

Customer Reviews:
4.6 134 ratings

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Jen Chaney

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Jen Chaney is a pop culture critic and writer who contributes regularly to numerous outlets, including New York magazine's Vulture, The Washington Post, The Dissolve and Esquire.

Her many pop cultural obsessions include "Lost," John Hughes films, "Friday Night Lights," and virtually anything that was a trend during the 1980s. (She has a soft spot for '90s nostalgia, too.)

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

134 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

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Kindle Customer

Very happy with my purchase

Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2022

Verified Purchase

The book was in great shape and arrived promptly. Thanks!

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2015

Verified Purchase

This was great. I read Jen Chaney's article on the oral history of the "Suck and Blow" scene a couple years ago and have yearned for more. Color me pleased that while rounding up all new think pieces on the relevance of Clueless on its 20th anniversary I came across this book two days before it was released. I pre-ordered it and devoured it as soon as I opened it. I love movie trivia, and this was like a book full of factual gold for me. The oral history format is a quick read, and it's a wonderful look into how the main and supporting cast as well as crew and production experienced the movie and remember it today. Before reading I felt like I knew almost everything there was to know about Clueless, but this was a treasure trove of delightful anecdotes I never could have dreamed of wanting to know, but am so glad that I now do. It is *very* comprehensive. If you are a Clueless super-fan, this is a must. It's basically the grown-up version of "Cher's Guide to Whatever," the essential Clueless companion.

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

A Teenage Masterpiece for Adults Also

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2015

Verified Purchase

Written in sections of interest with comments by virtually all of the players in the movie, this is a great summation of creating magic on film. It's always intended but rarely happens and in this case, it definitely did. Alicia Silverstone was so cute and perfect for this part. I remain amazed that she wasn't a star of Julia Roberts' level of
fame. And of course my personal favorite Stacey Dash to this day remains absolutely stunning should also have had much greater fame.

But lightening struck here by a great director and a wide eyed cast most getting their first taste of fame and no idea how this would make them famous for life. If you like/loved the movie, READ THIS BOOK! It's a great revisit and will have you smiling for days till you finish.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Joe Parisi

Incredibly Fun and Entertaining!

Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

Jen talked to dozens of people to uncover some really fun and fascinating info. A must-read for fans of the film.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

FilmDailyNews

Poor treatment of a cultural phenomenon, only for true fans of the movie!

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2017

Verified Purchase

As a Clueless crazed child of the 90's I was very excited to read this book. Sadly the content does not match the premise.

It feels like the author scraped this together in a few hours paying very little care or attention to flow, style or editing. The interviews read like they were written verbatim with scarce editing to make them readable (or interesting). Where it really struggles however is in the passages written by the author which are basically sound like the author is parroting some opinion she overheard in passing. The chapters relating to the costumes are particilary offensive with the author pretty much suggesting that Clueless invented ingenue style. Mona May's costume design may be flawless but it's not original and any full buff can see many inspirations appropriated for the movie. In the late 80's early 90's The Riot Girl movement had already adopted Mary Janes, Baby Doll dresses and bright pop colors as their uniform. WAY before that in the 60's was the La Nouvelle Vague movement and Twiggy vehicle The Boyfriend, it would be hard not to see inspirations reflected here.

The author is supposedly a pop culture/movie writer and yet makes no critical allusion to other films.

On further research it appears the work was cobbled together from a series of interviews the author conducted for a paid piece of journalism she was writing. It reads very much like that. Clueless is a masterwork of film and an oral history should have been treated with much more respect, attention and skill.

I don't think it was worth the cover price. True fans of the movie who don't mind sloppy editing and bad writing will find some great quotes in here however.

3 people found this helpful

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June L.

It is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane ...

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016

Verified Purchase

It is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's book EMMA, on which the story of CLUELESS is based, and on the 25th anniversary of the movie, it is most interesting to see the connections through interviews and discussions with those involved in the making of CLUELESS. Austen fans, literary scholars, and film buffs alike would find this book entertaining. .

One person found this helpful

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C. Smith

Quick read, great fun

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

The person that this was given too loved this gift. Apparently it's a pretty quick read because she was done by a week's time.

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Rhamy Marango

For true fans of the movie!

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2016

Verified Purchase

If you are a die-hard "Clueless" fan, this is totally your read! This goes into terminology used, where it came from, what books the writer read that influenced the film (deep into Jane Austin), etc. I am only halfway through & I am definitely enjoying myself. I will have to pass this onto my best friend when I am finished with it :o)

One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Aimee.

New but damaged.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2020

Verified Purchase

Inside of the book is perfect, and delivery was prompt, but as you can see from the photo, the ‘brand new’ book has some serious water damage to the cover, which is really disappointing. Luckily the book is just for me and not a gift, but I suggest the order packers take a bit more care over stock selection.

Abigail Pollard

Great gift

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2018

Verified Purchase

Bought as a gift for a clueless lover and it was perfect

Louise

One of my favourite films of the 90s

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2016

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One of my favourite films of the 90s. Can watch it many times, love the humour, writing, soundtrack and acting.

One person found this helpful

Jayke1981

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2016

Verified Purchase

Bought for my friend She was very pleased

One person found this helpful

K

Super interesting read for fans and casual readers alike!

Reviewed in Mexico on June 17, 2020

Verified Purchase

An amazing book for fans of Clueless. It has a lot of insider information about how such an iconic movie was made, from screenwriting and casting, to the soundtrack and a revision of iconic scenes. It is also a very interesting look at how a movie of this scale is made. A very interesting and fun read!

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As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew Paperback – July 7, 2015

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