Cruella (Disney)
Now that Disney has dropped its price tag of $29.99 and streamed Cruella for
free, I decided to watch it. It was quite entertaining. It is a mix of camp, comedy
and darkness. This move is very un-Disney.
In an early scene one character meets a disturbing demise. Disney films have
dark elements. Killing Bambi’s mother, Dumbo caught in a fire and a poisoned apple
are not child friendly. Cruella has the distinction of the first Disney character
to use a straight razor. She must have borrowed it from John Wick. A technical point:
aside from an allusion to “1,001 Dalmatians” Cruella is far different.
Emma Stone must have had a fabulous time in the role of Cruella.
With all the camping there were dramatic
scenes giving balance to the movie. Stone’s
voice and posturing were over the top
but appropriate for the character. The original Cruella was a nasty. Stone
plays the role more with cunning and revenge rather than cruelty. However, the three
dalmatians in this film do not come off well.
Emma Thompson is the villainess as the Baroness. She must have
channeled Meryl Streep from the “Devil Wears Prada” for her over the top portrayal.
With her ramrod posture and barely moving lips she takes snobbery to new heights.
She is a cruel and narcissistic villain.
The supporting cast is wonderful. Cruella’s two childhood friends
make up her gang. Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauer play two street urchins who
befriend her and become her henchmen. They provide comedy to the film. Mark Strong
plays his usual granite faced persona. He plays the role with usual British reserve
but strongly. There are many other characters who give wonderful performances.
Couture is a big part of the film. The dresses are excessive
but not totally ridiculous. They have elements of legitimate fashion. The
flaming gown was marvelous. This movie has an outstanding soundtrack of 70’s
songs.
Was the price reduction worth waiting for, yes.
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