Lizzie Hutchison writes for The Lens column for Woman Alive, taking a playful look at Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods and what Elle Woods can teach us about staying true to who we are. From pink power suits to unexpected life detours, Lizzie finds some surprisingly Christian wisdom in Elle’s journey.
Yeah, I was pretty chuffed with that headline, thanks for asking. I’ve recently finished the Prime series (not sponsored, but I am open to it, should you be reading, Mr Bezos.) Side note - love the visual of Jeff thumbing through Woman Alive on a yacht. ANYWAY, I watched the prequel to Legally Blonde, fearing the worst - how could anyone match Reese Witherspoon’s iconic delivery and charisma? - but I’m delighted to say I was… delighted. Props to Lexi Minetree for absolutely nailing the character, voice and mannerisms. Gal’s done her homework, and then some.
Lexi lays the groundwork for Reese’s character beautifully. She sets up Wood’s strength, tenacity and optimism - whilst also making mistakes typical of a sixteen-year-old. The writing is sharp, the characters well drawn, and there are some quotable lines like ‘the neck is the pedestal to the face.’ Stunning. At this point, I should mention I’m a pink-obsessed blonde, so the books may be cooked. But then I’m also not a lawyer, so who cares?
I’ve been mistaken for a PA when meeting new clients, and asked to make coffee, when I’m about to present the ideas that could potentially turn around their business.
It’s interesting that, despite constantly achieving at school, university or work, Elle Woods isn’t taken seriously because of her image. “All people see when they look at me is blonde hair and big boobs.” This is true to life. People make assumptions. I’ve been mistaken for a PA when meeting new clients, and asked to make coffee, when I’m about to present the ideas that could potentially turn around their business.
But despite this, Elle sticks to her style. And I respect her for it. She stays true to her brand - I expected to see her become increasingly grey, to assimilate to her new beige background, but she holds strong. She knows who she is, and she’s not going to change for anyone, even Seattle. Side note - not sure what Seattle’s done to rile the show’s producers, but I don’t think it’s gonna be holiday destination of the year. I think it’s inspiring. And Christian-adjacent. If we are truly rooted in Christ, we too should not blend in with the world, but boldly be our own shade of pink. Other colours are available.
There’s also the parallel that Elle’s life didn’t go according to her plan. She’s made to pivot from her comfortable, sunny, LA wonderland into a soggy Seattle, full of checked shirts and carpet-shop raves. And yet she throws herself in and things turn out unexpectedly well. It’s giving ‘all things work together for good for those who love the Lord.’ We have to learn how to negotiate life’s curveballs and watch the Lord’s creativity in how He uses it for His glory. Elle Woods has a big heart. When she is awarded her plaid pink overshirt at the end, it smacks of the ‘be in this world, but not of this world’ ideal. It’s not a softening of her values but an acknowledgment of her difference and yet her determination to understand her new friends’ motivations and experiences. Something we can all aspire to do.
What, like it’s hard?
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