Storytelling for the Screen: Clueless

The Carsey-Wolf Center is hosting a series of enriched film events under its 2025-26 feature series titled "Connectivity," which explores the evolving nature of connection in modern society. The series includes a screening of "Clueless" (1995), a stylish adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma" directed by Amy Heckerling, that highlights 1990s youth culture, touching on themes of friendship, social dynamics, and fashion. Costume designer Mona May will participate in a post-screening discussion, offering insights into her iconic work, as well as signing her book, "The Fashion of Clueless."

Additionally, the series features discussions around two notable documentaries: "Grand Theft Hamlet" (2024), where actors adapt Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the video game world of Grand Theft Auto Online amidst the pandemic, showcasing creativity and connection in isolation; and "Network" (1976), which critiques media sensationalism and corporate power, remaining relevant in today’s media landscape.

The series also includes a screening of the director's cut of "Cinema Paradiso" (1988), which deepens the exploration of personal and cultural memories through the lens of cinema, complemented by a critical introduction discussing its thematic ties to the series. Lastly, "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) continues the exploration of connection and intimacy in a dystopian future, bridging human emotion and technology. These events foster dialogue around the intersection of film, theater, and digital media, emphasizing the power of storytelling in forging connections within contemporary society.