Cruella is Disney Pictures’ latest attempt to reintroduce old characters into a contemporary context for new audiences. The story is a prequel to the live-action adaptations of the classic Disney Villain from the 101 Dalmatians series.
Cruella traces the backstory of “Cruella DeVil” and her origins as Estella. It is a bit dark for a family entertainment entry, but then again, 101 Dalmatians was too.
STORYLINE
The Disney movie is about the soul of the central character’s journey, from Estella to Cruella DeVil. It depicts her career as a successful fashion designer. In the 101 Dalmatians series, Cruella De Vil has always stood out as hammy, immensely terrifying, and delightfully evil. However, this film attempts to take the bitter edge off of Cruella by humanising her and showing the audience why she switched to the dark side. Additionally, it portrays the harsh realities of the modern world, such as cutthroat competition in the fashion industry and social issues, including body shaming, mental illness, and the class system. However, using Cruella De Vil’s portrayal in the movie to justify cruelty toward animals—often associated with the fashion industry—is both misleading and unjust.
Cruella, directed by Craig Gillespie, captures the spirit of the 1970s era with two Hollywood powerhouses, Emma Thompson and Emma Stone. Both share their first names but deliver impressive performances. Thompson plays the brilliant Baroness, a viciously competitive and self-absorbed character who shows little mercy to her rivals. Stone plays Estella, later as the stylishly wicked Cruella DeVil, the young, punk, and mystic version of the classic Disney villain and a formidable opponent against the Baroness.
SCREENPLAY
The conflict between the two leading ladies builds up progressively throughout the screenplay. In the process, writers Dana Fox, Tony McNamara, and Aline Brosh McKenna shed light on the ugly aspects of the Fashion Industry. Between the two Emmas, the rest of the actors get little opportunity to shine. Still, Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser provide good laughs in their respective characters. The performance of Emma Stone dominates every scene and outclasses the version of Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil. Stone plays her character and costume with sass and irreverence. Despite Stone’s high praise in the title role, it contains a significant missed opportunity for actress Glenn Close. Perhaps towards the end of the storyline, Glenn could have appeared in a cameo role to honour her fame as Cruella de Vil in the 101 Dalmatians series.
FASHION IN CRUELLA
The film recalls the city of London at the height of the punk rock movement, which influenced its Music and Fashion. I intend to highlight British costume designer Jenny Beavan’s signature pieces in the movie that are wonderfully unconventional and disruptive. Jenny’s masterpieces were loud, provocative, defiant, and innovative!! I also noticed multiple references to the designs of the late Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler. One sequence also refers to the designer’s 2001 runway shows.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The delectably sinister score of Cruella enhances the dark theme of the movie. Nicholas Karakatsanis uses exquisite, traditional hand-held camera movements for his cinematography. The film also contains plenty of action, including thrilling car chases in busy London streets and devastating crashes that keep your adrenaline pumping.
As the story unfolds, you will see shades of Harley Quinn from Joker and even The Devil Wears Prada. Regardless of whether you are a fan or a follower of this famed franchise, the origin story of Disney’s Mystic Supervillain will definitely entertain you!!!