Mean Girls

Mean Girls (2004) directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is centered around the dynamics of high school teenagers involved in cliques, the effects of a social hierarchy, and young girls who are looking to fit in. The main theme of the movie is how peer pressure and manipulation to fit in can result in negative behavior and internal conflicts. For my sources, I chose to use the burn book, the popular quote, "On Wednesday's we wear pink", how Rachel McAdams (Regina George) wore a wig during filming, and a picture of my DVD copy. I chose these sources because they are iconic parts of the movie. Anytime somebody references them, it is easily identifiable. The wig that McAdams wears is significant because it helps her achieve the stereotypical "queen bee" look. The DVD copy is important because it contains clips and special additions that may not be found on a streaming service. The film Mean Girls (2004) has had an extremely significant impact on society since its release. The movie has popularized a lot of phrases and slang such as, "That's so fetch", "On Wednesdays we wear pink", and "She doesn't even go here!". A lot of people, especially younger generations started using these lines in their regular conversations. Mean Girls (2004) is portrayed as a humorous representation of high school cliques, social hierarchies, and typical teenage behavior. It displays a creative and witty yet important underlying message about bullying, peer pressure, and the difficulties of fitting in. Although the movie emphasized the negative parts of being in high school, it also pushed the idea of friendship, self-acceptance, and empowering each other.

Burn Book

The burn book is a major plot element in the movie that creates a lot of conflict. It is a physical representation of vengeful rumors and gossip about classmates that the "plastics", especially Regina, have been documenting and spreading. The "plastics" use the book to maintain control over their peers and manipulate social standings, symbolizing the power dynamics inside and outside the school. They continually undermine others while maintaining their position as the dominant clique by spreading rumors and gossip in a seemingly anonymous manner. While I got this picture from the internet, it is a prominent storyline in the movie. The book was created to show how girls were judged if they were not a part of the infamous "plastics" group.

DVD copy

This DVD was created in 2004 when the movie was released. It was created because at the time, streaming services were just starting out and most viewers enjoyed the comfort of owning a physical copy and having the freedom to watch the movie whenever they want. Bonus features, such as deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes, and sometimes cast and crew interviews were usually included on DVDs. Having access to the extra materials on the DVD helped improve the watchers understanding of the movie and its making. Owning a copy of a well-known movie such as Mean Girls would have also been a desirable addition to somebody who collects DVDs. Collectors could have also gained an additional value if the DVD included special scenes, came in a special packaging, or if it was released in limited quantities.

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink."

The saying "On Wednesdays, we wear pink" is an extremely well-known line from the movie. It highlights the strict social rules of the "plastics". This quote is often cited and mentioned in modern pop-culture, displaying its significance in the movie. By designating a color for a specific day, they are enforcing their group identity as well as their "exclusive" status. Having these rules in place is a way for them to establish their authority within the high school community. The phrase also represents Regina's controlling presence over the group and her ability to control their behavior. It highlights her role as the "plastics" leader and the control she has over those around her.

Rachel McAdams Wore a $10,000 Wig on 'Mean Girls' | Marie Claire

Regina George, portrayed by Rachel McAdams is written as the stereotypical popular mean girl. An important part of her role is her flawless appearance and her position as the "plastics" leader. While the wig helps highlight her position as the center of attention by helping her achieve a "flawless" appearance, the wig was used because McAdams was filming The Notebook (2004) at the same time and was not able to bleach her hair. Her contract for The Notebook (2004) stated that she was not allowed to change her appearance, so the Mean Girls (2004) staff found a way to make it possible for her to be casted in the iconic movie without violating her other contract.

Gaining an understanding of these artifacts enhances the interpretation of the movie Mean Girls. It helps provide a deeper understanding of themes, characters, and the cultural impact of the movie. The burn book symbolizes the damaging impact that rumors and gossip have in teenage social circles. It illustrates how toxic Regina was as a leader and how hurtful it is when friends betray each other's trust. The physical copy of "Mean Girls" on DVD provides an evident connection to the movie's ongoing appeal and influence. It takes you back to a time when DVDs were the main source of entertainment, including extra features and behind the scenes clips that improve the watching experience. The DVD artifact demonstrates how "Mean Girls" is still found to be appealing and relevant. The line "On Wednesdays, we wear pink" refers to the strict social rules that were created by Regina and upheld by the "plastics". This artifact emphasizes the theme of inclusivity and feeling a need to fit in, contributing to the pressure to follow along with cliques. It showcases the social dynamics of teenagers and the extent that people will go to in order to fit in. Reginas look, which is highlighted by the perfectly styled wig, is a powerful representation of her control in the high school social standings. The wig serves as a affirmation of power and control.

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https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.ZpRID2rlI0qED_E8XZMtDwHaHa?w=178&h=180&c=7&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5d/d0/1b/5dd01b0977da23e83a74c5922614bbe5--good-quotes-movie-quotes.jpg

Rachel McAdams Wore a $10,000 Wig on 'Mean Girls' | Marie Claire

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.wLEvj_PhymdKQQNVLyjCqgHaDt?w=277&h=174&c=7&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7

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