WASHINGTON — It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the release of the comedy classic “Clueless.”
Perhaps this is because its pop culture impact remains such a part of our lives, thanks to trademark phrases that Alicia Silverstone made a part of our vernacular, from “As If” to “Whatever.”
Now, the making of the film and its enduring legacy are chronicled in the new book “As If.”
The book is written by D.C. film critic Jen Chaney, who regularly contributes reviews to WTOP on Friday mornings and also writes for “The Dissolve,” “Vulture” and other outlets.
“(Writer/director) Amy Heckerling has always been interested in slang and she’s always kept these sort of personal dictionaries … and then talking to actual students at Beverly Hills High and sort of listening to the way that they talk to each other,” Chaney tells WTOP about the creation of the film’s signature quotables.
Chaney interviewed Heckerling and other cast members to compile an oral history.
“She is a fun person,” Chaney says. “She’s a more sardonic person than you might think. She has a very kind of dry (humor) and a very modest person, too, and if anything, I hope the book reminds people of what a really amazing filmmaker and kind of just a genius mind that she has.”
The book is filled with fascinating tidbits, like the fact that Paul Rudd almost got shot.
Hear the full interview below:
