Stereotypically Blonde
Obviously, this is the movie poster for the movie Legally Blonde which is selling the film. It's on the cover of the DVD and was all over movie theatres when the movie came out.
This image of Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods uses all the usual “dumb blonde” stereotypes as well as overall female stereotypes. First, you see an attractive curvaceous blonde dressed all in pink. Her smile is flirtatious and she is staring away from the camera. She is standing tall taking tiny steps in her heels while daintily holding her furry pen and dog leash in her hand. The only object on her body which is not pink is the books in her hand which suggests they themselves out-of-place on a blonde woman. Everyone else in the background, however, is staring at her. Her look seems to show her acknowledgement and pleasure at this. Even the people in the background are portraying their own stereotypes. There is the average college guy ogling her from afar while he stands next to his jealous, catty girlfriend who is dressed in blue.
Reese is centered in the shot with the others surrounding her. The dominant color is pink which is only used in context with Reese whereas everyone else is wearing a neutral shade, mostly navy blue. The lighting is very bright, the sky suggests a very clear sunny day which reflects the blonde’s attitude. The brightness of her wardrobe draws the eye to the contrasting set of three large darkly colored books.
The image is trying to pigeonhole this girl in with the general public’s idea of what a blonde is. Then, they are wishing the audience to consider the absurdity that someone like that would be reading a book, much less three textbooks. Of course, this absurdity is the premise for the movie itself. In conclusion, the image is saying, “This woman is your stereotypical blonde but she’s smart – how funny is that?”