Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
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.
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.
About The Author
© 2015 Joan Brady
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 (July 7, 2015)
- Length: 336 pages
- ISBN13: 9781476799094
Raves and Reviews
"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
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): As If! eBook 9781476799094
- Author Photo (jpg): Jen Chaney © 2015 Joan Brady(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
