How a notorious Disney villain was reimagined as a stylish 1970s fashion icon
In short: The 2021 film Cruella transforms the classic antagonist into an aspiring designer navigating the punk rock scene of 1970s London. Starring Emma Stone, this origin story explores the complex path that leads Estella Miller to embrace her darker persona, challenging the traditional narrative of the 101 Dalmatians franchise.
Directed by Craig Gillespie, Cruella serves as a backstory for the iconic villain Cruella de Vil, drawing inspiration from Dodie Smith's 1956 novel. The film follows Estella Miller, a creative orphan who rises through the ranks of the fashion world under the mentorship of the authoritarian Baroness von Hellman. As Estella discovers the truth about her past and the Baroness's role in her mother's death, she adopts the Cruella persona to seek revenge, eventually claiming the manor she renames Hell Hall.
The production process was extensive, with development beginning in 2013 and principal photography taking place in England between August and November 2019. Emma Stone, who also served as an executive producer, leads a cast that includes Emma Thompson as the Baroness. The film is notable for its visual style and its PG-13 rating, making it the second Disney live-action spin-off to receive such a classification. It also introduced the first openly gay original character in a live-action Disney film, Artie, who draws inspiration from David Bowie and Marc Bolan.
Upon its release on May 28, 2021, the film premiered simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ via Premier Access. It grossed over $233 million worldwide and earned critical acclaim for its costume design, winning the Academy Award in that category. While some critics questioned the necessity of an origin story for the character, many praised the performances of Stone and Thompson. The film's success has led to the development of a sequel, ensuring that the story of the notorious fashion designer will continue.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cruella (film)
- Also: Wikidata — Cruella · CC0
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