Combatting The Dumb Blonde Stereotype in Cinema

 Combatting The Dumb Blonde Stereotype in Cinema

Written by Rebecca Laurie. 29/07/2024.

In cinematic terms, the 'dumb blonde' stereotype first came about through Victor Flemmings' film Bombshell (1933), where actress Jean Harlow plays Lola Burns, a Hollywood star. In the film Burns is constantly undermined, believed to be naive, and many use her and try to steal her money. Actress Marilyn Monroe later took inspiration from Jean Harlow into her own acting in films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like it Hot, and hence the stereotype continued on till today. Blonde hair has always been linked with beauty and sex appeal, and the notion that a woman can't be both beautiful and smart at the same time has been represented throughout early cinema depictions of women. 

So how then, has this stereotype been subverted in some way in recent years? You might first think of Reese Witherspoon's performance as Elle Woods in Legally Blondes (2001). At first glance of the character, she may seem to fit into this stereotypical view, being part of a sorority only interested in fashion and boys. However, later in the film when her boyfriend dumps her to go to Harvard law school and gets engaged to a fellow law student, she decides that she can and will also get into law school (without the help of her rich parents). She uses her knowledge of fashion to solve a case and ultimately graduates with a JD degree.

Another character who subverts the stereotype is Cher Horowitz in teen rom-com Clueless (1999). Played by Alicia Silverstone, she may appear similarly to Elle Woods at first, a shallow, rich teen who is eagerly searching for love. Her resourcefulness and intellect is portrayed when she takes time out of her day to help her father with his law firm, and her caring nature is seen when tactically setting two of her lonely teachers up (with the help of her best friend Dionne) as well as taking part in a donation drive for the Pismo beach disaster. 

Rachel McAdams plays the iconic and unforgettable Regina George in 2004's Mean Girls. Unlike Karen's (Amanda Seyfried) typical 'dumb-blonde' character, Regina easily subverts the stereotype through her vicious and cunning demeanour. She is intelligent, but rather than using this for good, she sprouts mean comments at her classmates and makes sure she is the centre of attention. Regina is portrayed as stereotypically unattractive when she gains a few pounds and wears comfy loose-fitting clothing instead of her usual attire of short skirts and tank tops, seperating her entirely from the dumb-blonde stereotype. 

A film which quite clearly subverts this stereotype, and well might I add, is Erin Brokovich (2000). Julia Roberts stars as the titular character, whom based on a true story, uses her intelligence to take down a water company which is poisoning it's towns residents with contaminated water. Her smart business outfits add to the sense of empowerment she gives women through the retelling of this story. Balancing her work life with being a single mother of three, she certainly proves you can do it all as a woman.

There we have it; some recent films which combat the silly old patriarchal stereotype against blonde women. Any other characters/films you feel challenge the stereotype too? Post them in the comments!

Filmography:

Bombshell (1933)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Legally Blonde (2001)

Clueless (1999)

Mean Girls (2004)
Erin Brokovich (2000)