8/26/11 Somersault: Not Imitation but Admiration
Heidi, a runaway teenager as portrayed by Abbie Cornish, certainly is not your typical style icon. Yet, I feel I have learned from her in the same way I have from Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly although the ways in which she is able to teach us differ greatly. Heidi possesses the kindness and innocence of a Disney princess and, simultaneously, an extremely powerful sexuality with which she has not yet quite come to terms. This gets her in trouble when she kisses her mother’s boyfriend, resulting in her self-imposed exile from the house. She heads to a mountain town and finds work in a local gas station and company in the local bar. At one point, upon being questioned about why she continues to bring strange men home, she answers simply that she does not want to be alone. Thus, a strange conflict in conduct is presented, childish impulses serving as the impetus for adult behavior.
Her persisting naiveté is reflected most clearly in her outward appearance. She dresses, not like an out of control runaway, but as if her mother were still picking her outfits. Her clothing reflects only comfort and practicality. She wears sensible corduroys, plain white t-shirts, and patterned wool sweaters. This plain, unadorned sensibility is quirky and refreshing on a young, pretty girl. People her age are generally too busy with flaky makeup and clothing with plastic decals, trying to conform their appearance to fit some category. Her unselfconscious decisions feel truly fresh.
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Cleo
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