The theme of distortion of vision is emphasized in the parallel scenes of the carriage and car ride following the Coles' dinner party and the Valley party respectively. The dialogue highlights the miscommunication and misunderstanding between Emma and Cher and the Elton characters. The Elton characters said: "Emma, you could not have mistaken my intentions," and, "I knew it when you kissed me". The corresponding responses of disbelief highlight Emma's and Cher's distortion of vision: "I am astonished!" and "As if!" The facial expressions of a look of disbelief on the part of Emma and a sneer from Cher, added to their body language of pushing Elton away, is further evidence of how distasteful this misunderstanding has become and where a distortion of vision can lead. Again, Lawrence and Heckerling employed effective film techniques to assist in delivering their message of the distortion of vision.
Lawrence and Heckerling highlight the theme of social and moral responsibility in the ball scene and the dance scene in 'Emma' and 'Clueless' respectively. The high angle camera shot on Harriet as she is approached by Knightley emphasizes her vulnerability, while the low angle and middle shot on Knightley, subtle as it is, gives us a sense of his powerful and heroic nature. Knightley is acutely aware of Harriet's awkward situation and steps in where Elton ironically displays his lack of social and moral responsibility when he says, "Miss Smith? I do not notice Miss Smith." Despite his status in the church, he abrogates his moral responsibility to act charitably towards Harriet. Conversely, Heckerling uses the juxtaposition of a tiny Tai in between two very tall and large teenage boys to highlight her vulnerability. Josh is positioned in the scene with the "only other adult", emphasizing his maturity and level of social responsibility.
