Critical Thinking Shown in The Movie “Legally Blonde”

The film “Legally Blonde” is a lighthearted comedy but, beneath the surface lies multiple of
scenarios that go off with the sense of critical thinking in university. It goes through different
lenses of the character Elle Woods’, journey at Harvard Law School, the movie reveals the layers
of problem-solving, questioning assumptions, communication, being able to adapt in a new
environment, and legal analysis. The screenwriter Karen McCullah Lutz says that one of the
movies messages is “don’t let people define who you are” (Lutz 2001). Throughout watching the
movie, it shows how a seemingly playful comedy mirrors the traits of critical thinking within the
world of university.
Elle Woods starts a journey from a seemingly superficial stereotype as a ditzy, sorority member,
fashion motivated blonde girl to an intimating legal mind which showcases the “life-changing”
power that critical thinking can hold (Purwantika 2022). The producers of the movie wanted a
fun and “candy colored” gloss empowerment movie but by showing the difficulties of law school
(Smith 2001) since the author of the book Amanda Browns alma mater is Standford Law School.
Brown tells her difficulties as a female in law school and how she had to prove herself to many
of her classmates just like Elle had to do in the movie. Throughout the movie, Elle tackles
complex legal challenges, such as being brought on a high-profile case, demonstrating the ability
to analyze difficult problems, analyze evidence, and create compelling arguments. This
highlights the importance of problem-solving skills in university, where students are often
confronted with high demanding tasks that require a sharp and thorough mind. The film "Legally
Blonde" highlights the basis of critical thinking by showing Elle Woods as an individual who
challenges social assumptions that were made by her classmates, peers and even her professors.
Elle continues in her efforts to pursue law school, breaking the stereotypes that are associated
with beauty and intelligence. Elle takes a different approach to law school, initially dismissed by
her peers, but turns out to be to her benefit. Elles “fashion-forward” approach helps her stand out
and eventually towards the end of the film gain respect from her peers and teachers. This shows
the importance of diverse perspectives and challenging traditional expectations in critical
thinking.
“Legally Blonde” coordinates with the critical thinking principle of questioning assumptions
(Hitchcock 2018) which happen multiple times throughout the film for example when Warren
questioned her about even getting into Havard Law, when she was considered to go on the
internship for the legal case, when she said that one of the witnesses was a homosexual and when
the defendant wanted Elle to become her official lawyer after Callahan didn’t believe his client,
are just a few examples that the movie gives about questioning assumptions. Elle's help in the
murder trial of the famous workout director Brooke Windham becomes a turning point for Elle in
the film. Elle employs critical thinking by questioning witnesses, analyzing evidence, and
eventually uncovering the truth. Such as in the courtroom, Elle uses her knowledge of hair care
learned during her time in a sorority to identify a crucial detail that contributes to her client's
defense. This demonstrates her ability to think creatively, make connections between seemingly
unrelated information in the murder trial. In the university’s environment, where diverse
perspectives combine, the ability to challenge established social norms and approach learning
with an open mind becomes involved in a culture of different types of intellectual exploration
and growth.
Elle educates those around her about the importance of legal suggestions. This requires effective
communication skills and the ability to convey complex information in a relatable manner .
Effective communication is essential in critical thinking (Geissler 2012), and Elle Woods
navigates the academic view with passion and power. Elle throughout her journey at Harvard
Law School requires not only legal insight but also the ability to communicate those ideas to the
legal team to be able to take part in the legal case. Elle being able to adapt to the challenges of a
harsh academic environment mirrors a significant aspect of critical thinking, being open minded
to new information and adjusting one's approach based on experience, At the beginning of the
film, Elle, originally a Fashion major at the University of Southern California with no prior
exposure to law, undergoes a remarkable transformation. Her commitment to daily study and
self-testing for the LSATs, despite lacking a legal background, marks a turning point in her
journey. In university, where communication is key for some kind of creative change, students
who file down their ability to explain their ideas effectively and adapt to undeveloped
circumstances demonstrate the main points of critical thinking.
Throughout the film "Legally Blonde," Elle Woods comes out not only just as a fashion-forward
icon but as an unexpected form of critical thinking. In the film, it explores Harvard Law School
alongside Elle, we see a journey that transitions the superficial into the serious involvement of
critical thinking at university. Elle's ability to adapt, problem-solve, and challenge assumptions
mirrors the intellectual accomplishments demanded from a higher education. From the
courtroom to the halls of university, the film provides a playful yet insightful exploration of the
various points that make up critical thinking. Just as Elle faced multiple expectations and
shattered multiple stereotypes, this movie encourages us to rethink how and when critical
thinking happens. The film teaches us an important lesson to remember that critical thinking can
happen anywhere, and learning can come from unexpected stories. Ultimately, "Legally Blonde"
encourages us to value the different perspectives and understand that true brilliance in university
can be found in unexpected places.

References:
Geissler, G.L., Edison, S.W. and Wayland, J.P., 2012. Improving Students'
Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Communication Skills. Journal of
Instructional Pedagogies, 8.
Hitchcock, D., 2018. Critical thinking.
Legally Blonde. (2001). Directed by Robert Luketic. Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer (MGM).
McKee, M., The brains behind" Legally Blonde.
Purwantika, S., 2022. BLONDE’S STRUGGLES AGAINST SEXISM AS
SEEN IN “LEGALLY BLONDE” (2001) (Doctoral dissertation,
Diponegoro University).