In the movie Grease, directed by Randal Kleiser, a high school boy and girl are trying to fall back
in love after their summer fling. Danny Zuko, a “greaser” and member of the T-Birds, is your typical
lady’s man. Sandy Olsson, an innocent cheerleader, is new in town and finds herself becoming
friends with the Pink Ladies, a popular group of sassy high school girls. As the movie progresses,
Sandy realizes that she is still in love with Danny and decides it is time to impress him after
many problems they have faced throughout the movie. In the final scene, Danny arrives at the
school carnival dressed in a letterman sweater, rather than his usual leather jacket, to prove his
love to Sandy. As Danny’s friends tease him about what he is wearing, all heads turn towards
Sandy as she arrives in an all-black, leather outfit and big hair, trying to impress Danny. In this
scene, Kleiser uses musical elements and character to reintroduce the love between Danny and
Sandy that they were seeking.
Kleiser designs this scene to highlight the bond between Danny and Sandy through an
upbeat, affectionate song. The song is entitled, “You’re the one that I Want,” which, alone,
covers the main idea of the scene. Sandy is singing to Danny, explaining to him that she “needs a
man” and that “my heart is set on you.” Throughout the song, Kleiser depicts Sandy as a very
confident woman who is demanding her needs, enticing Danny into chasing her as she sings and
dances around. The scene incorporates a sense of sexual attraction to one another. The words
they are saying are very romantic and suggestive, as Danny and Sandy give each other very
pronounced eye contact as they sing to each other. In one shot, Sandy lures Danny i...
