As If! - by Jen Chaney (Paperback)

About the Book

"Will we ever get tired of watching Cher navigate Beverly Hills high school and discover true love in the movie Clueless? As if! Written by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone, Clueless is an enduring comedy classic that remains one of the most streamed movies on Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes even twenty years after its release. Inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless is an everlasting pop culture staple. In the first book of its kind, Jen Chaney has compiled an oral history of the making of this iconic film using recollections and insights collected from key cast and crew members involved in the making of this endlessly quotable, ahead-of-its-time production. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Emma influenced Heckerling to write the script, how the stars were cast into each of their roles, what was involved in creating the costumes, sets, and soundtrack, and much more" --

Book Synopsis

Celebrate the timeless charm of Clueless with this essential read packed with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories from Amy Heckerling, Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and more, plus a deep-dive into 90's fashion, Brittany Murphy's unforgettable legacy, and the lasting cultural impact of this classic comedy.

Will we ever get tired of Clueless? Ugh, as if!

Acclaimed pop culture journalist Jen Chaney celebrates the 20th 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.

Review Quotes

"[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"

"Chaney expertly peppers juicy details about the film's making . . . with honest celebrity insights."-- "Flavorpill"

"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"

"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"

"For its 20th birthday, the 90s classic Clueless gets a hilarious--and comprehensive--oral history."-- "Entertainment Weekly (Must List selection)"

"In As If!, everyone involved with the picture is interviewed, giving fans a window into how the movie became a classic."-- "New York Post"

"It's one of those books we needed without realizing it: an oral history of the making of Clueless. . . . A treat for fans."-- "People"

"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"

"This book is a must-read for every girl who ever considered buying a white Jeep in honor of Cher Horowitz."-- "The Zoe Report"