Cruel devil, why do we need to see Cruella again with Emma Stone?
The 6ter channel is broadcasting this evening at 9:10 p.m., the live-action Disney, about the villain who has a dog.
Three years ago, before playing the free, unabashed and joyful Bella Baxter of Poor Creatures, Emma Stone transformed into Cruella for a completely original live-action on the origins of the most chic and daring villainess in London. Cruella had won over the public and the critics. HAS First, no one had seen the 2h14 pass. So when the film comes back on television, we can't help but watch it again. And this, for six good reasons:
Me, Cruella
When we say Cruella, we think of this wrinkled old woman, tall and slender… and cruel in her 101 Dalmatians. With this live-action, none of that. The director of Me, TonyaCraig Gillespie, signs a totally original adaptation where nothing or almost nothing recalls the cartoon Disney released in 1961. Aside from Cruella's two sidekicks, Jasper and Horace, the instruments in Roger's apartment similar to those in the scene where the character sings Cruel she-devil, or even more blatantly this Manichean “split hair”. HAS Firstwe had already spotted the hidden references.
Gone is the old Cruella, here the spectators discover an ambitious and ambivalent young woman who answers to the name of Estella, whose past explains many things… Cruella before Cruella, at the origins of evil. Because in front of her, Baroness Von Hellman stands much more imposing and tyrannical – yes there is the word hell in its name – played by an impressive Emma Thompson. What if deep down, Estella/Cruella was not a villain as we have always been told, but rather an anti-heroine?
The scenario is modernized and new. However, with already more than eight adaptations including eight different Cruellas, coming up with something new was not easy. Worse, we had to go beyond the cult interpretation of Glenn Close in the films of 1996 and 2000. For Emma Stone, it was also out of the question to take inspiration from her elder:
“She is incredible and in a way, untouchable as a character. I knew I couldn't do Glenn Close's version of Cruella, because first of all I'd screw it up. (…) It’s a different time for Cruella and it only makes sense if I offer my own version of the character. Otherwise it would just be a pale copy of what she does.“
On the contrary, it offers novelty, energy and punk!
“Punk is not dead”
Like any adaptation featuring this cynical character, the story takes place in London. But with a slight modification… no more beautiful neighborhoods so british and place in London for marginal punk-rock movements. Because it is in the British capital that the revolution is underway.
Cruella is a breathtaking soundtrack, a mixture of strength and protest. Between Nina Simone, Queen, The Clash and The Doors, the film musically spans a decade wonderfully. And what a beautiful irony this cover of the song “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by the group The Stooges. You would think it was written for her.
To be so offbeat and antisocial, our Cruella evolves in the late 60s and 70s where the Swinging London of the Who, Kinks and Rolling Stones gives way to Blondie, The Clash… a youth who rebels in the midst of strikes and the crisis economic. The optimism of the 60s is ignited. The album-inspired “No Future” Never Mind The Bollocks of the Sex Pistols, written white on black on Cruella's face then takes on its full meaning. It is through fashion that Cruella becomes an icon and transcribes the thoughts of an entire era.
The Devil Wears De Vil
If the film won the Oscar and the BAFTA for best costumes it is not for nothing. Estella is determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world and to do so she dares. She understands that fashion is not just clothes – it's an attitude, it's a message, it's creating an event. The burning dress? Check (even if Katniss Everdeen had done it before her in Hunger Games), the military dress? Check. The garbage dress made from newspaper? Cruelly awesome.
So that Cruella, become an icon in the field, it was necessary to hire the best costume designer. Jenny Beavan has been nominated twelve times for the Oscars in her category and has held the small golden statuette in her hands three times.
Asked by Vogue magazine, Beavan said she was inspired by punk stylist Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. In total, 47 different outfits were created for Emma Stone – some pieces even came from thrift stores.
What if Miranda Priestly (The devil wears Prada) and Baroness Von Hellman were one and the same person? After all, who can claim to have ever seen them together in the same room? It seems that cold and direct characters in the fashion world are normal. Here, the ruthless Emma Thompson seems to replace the brilliant Meryl Streep.
Cruel but not too much
The centerpiece of Cruella's wardrobe is a coat made from Dalmatian fur. A look that defines the cruelty of the character. But if Emma Stone plays Cruella, she is far from adopting the attitude. On the set, the actress set one condition: never wear real fur. It is therefore fake fur that was used in accordance with Disney's production policy. We are reassured!
A happy ending for man's best friend
What would Disney be without a happy ending? While most of the scenes shot with animals were done with special effects, some required the involvement of real dogs. Some even came from shelters, and by the end of filming, all the dogs had been adopted and are now living happily with their owners.
Where is Cruella 2 with Emma Stone?
Because there will be a sequel!
If the film suffered the bad effects of the pandemic, its success with the public led the studios to launch second gear for a sequel. Emma Stone will therefore reprise her role as Cruella. But when ? If there is little chance that this second part will see the light of day in 2024, or even in 2025, the actress is ready for filming to begin “as soon as possible.” And what would this sequel be about? A meeting with Glenn Close, the Baroness's youth? Everything is possible.
Waiting for, Cruella is broadcast this Wednesday April 17 at 9:15 p.m. on 6ter.
