Semiotics in Heathers

‘Heathers’ is a 1988 American dark comedy film directed by Michael Lehmann and just happens to be one of my favourite films. The film portrays four teenage girls, three of who are named Heather, in a clique at High School. Many of the themes of the film can be seen through the use of costuming. Semiotics is used in Heathers through costuming, in order to give connotations with the central characters and show the development of said characters.

The leader of the group Heather Chandler wears red to show power, Heather Duke wears green to show her envy of Heather Chandler, whilst Heather McNamara is seen wearing yellow. Veronica, wears blue to show her innocence and contrasts against Heather Chandler’s red costuming. After Heather Chandler dies, Heather Duke begins to wear red and she takes the leader position of the group. In the end of the film Veronica, fed up with Heather Duke’s cruelty grabs the red scrunchy off her head and places it on hers. This demonstrates the change of power throughout the group.