Character Report - Danielle of The Girl Next Door

I’ve been tasked with putting together a character report for my critical analysis program in film school. I am taking a bit of a chance but I’ve always wanted an excuse to address or discuss Elisha Cuthbert’s character of Danielle in The Girl Next Door in some way and I’ve gotten approval so I’m going for it.

One needs only look at TGND forum to see the effect this character had
and still has on males of all ages. Like so many others, I was enthralled by and enamored with Danielle when I first watched TGND. Over the years, I’ve come to understand (and find it fascinating) all the various ‘tricks of the trade’ that make this character as appealing as it is. This is to take nothing away from Elisha Cuthbert as she was absolutely drop dead gorgeous with or without tricks and her performance was perfect for the role. I want to detail what I felt went on behind the scenes and also detail how so many men felt like I did after watching it. Men didn’t want to just bang Danielle, they fell madly in love with her and wanted to marry her. There’s a uniqueness there that I’ve always found interesting. It’s also worth noting that there are a lot of eyes that haven’t seen TGND. It just never caught on. I think many of those that have seen it know what I’m referring to with Danielle.

It’s always been my favorite movie of all time yet I’d also say it’s not a particularity well made film, outside of a few things they did extremely well.

I’d love to hear from anyone involved in that film or if anyone has had a similar experience from watching this film feel free to PM or reply here...