Date: 1988
Director: Michael Lehmann
Actors/ Characters: Winona Ryder/ Veronica Sawyer, Christian Slater/ J.D, Shannen Doherty/ Heather Duke, Lisanne Falk/ Heather McNamara, Kim Walker/ Heather Chandler
Summary: In order to get out of the snobby clique that is destroying her good-girl reputation, an intelligent teen teams up with a dark sociopath in a plot to kill the cool kids.
- Ostracisation leads to acts of violence
Heathers tells the story of two social outcasts: Veronica and JD. Neither of them feel like they belong in the High School setting and their beliefs and outlook on life and society is what draws them together and makes them different to others. JD knows he
can appeal to Veronica's understanding of what it's like to feel different and unaccepted and he exploits that in order to commit acts of violence and murder.
This notion of drawing on people's fear and emotions to commit acts of violence reflects wider issues in society with regards to terrorism and gun violence. Heathers teaches us the danger of ostracisation and the affects it can have in society.
-Power is a Cycle
Just like in government or a monarchy or dictatorship, the person who holds the power in Westerburg High rotates in a cycle. Like JD says in the film high school acts as a reflection of society in the film, and as in society whoever holds control and power in the community turns like a wheel. So when Heather Chandler dies a new Heather: Heather Duke takes her place just like how power would shift in society.
-High School = Society
In many teen films, as well as this one, high school acts as a microcosm mirroring wider society. The fittest, most attractive and wealthiest candidates are the ones who make it out with the most success. This is the same in society, we associate wealth and beauty with success so that is why the Heathers are so powerful within high school. Similarly the Heathers all have arguably successful parents so it could be concluded that success passes down through the generations; this notion is common in teen films and can be seen in films such as Mean Girls as well where successful parents have successful children.
-Love is Weakness
Veronica falls victim to a classic Bonnie and Clyde complex, she allows herself to be manipulated by JD and his willingness to take things to the extreme in order to give Veronica (and himself) what they want. She allows herself to be blinded by JD and his seduction of violence and power which enables JD to influence her into committing acts of bloodshed. Ultimately Heathers teaches us of the dangers of falling in love with the wrong person and illustrates the lengths a person can go to in the name of love.
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