Films › Clare Kilner

How to Deal (2003)

Film

DirectorClare Kilner

Meta takes3

Figures

Form & technique

Halley's cynical voice-over narration → The Postfeminist Sensibility
The film's composite plot structure from two Sarah Dessen novels

Tropes

Mandy Moore's performance as Halley Martin → The Star-as-Construct
The tonal shift following the death of Michael Sherwood → The Cinematic Chimera
Macon's character arc of grief and recovery

Films most connected to How to Deal

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) — via The Postfeminist Sensibility, The Star-as-Construct
Ocean's Eleven (2001) — via The Star-as-Construct
Galaxy Quest (1999) — via The Star-as-Construct
Jeff Tweedy: Sunken Treasure - Live in the Pacific Northwest (2006) — via The Star-as-Construct
Black Swan (2010) — via The Postfeminist Sensibility
Little Women (2019) — via The Postfeminist Sensibility
Pretty Woman (1990) — via The Postfeminist Sensibility
The Little Mermaid (1989) — via The Postfeminist Sensibility