Cruella

Emma Stone is plucky as Estella/Cruella. Emma Thompson’s Baroness is frightening as the demanding, self-centered, power hungry, past her prime fashion designer taking credit for the work of underlings working in fear. One of her mottos she pronounce proudly, “If you have to talk about power, you don’t have it.” She is relentless giving orders to all around her, including John the valet, (Mark Strong) her right-hand- man, a silent type who knows the score.

Estella is all rebel from the very start, constantly getting in trouble at school and relishing every bit of it. Her kind-hearted mother, Catherine, (Emily Beechman) is a poor laundrywoman trying to send her to the best school. But she understands Estella’s feisty spirit and her penchant for creativity, giving her unconditional love. When, as in many Disney movies, Catherine tragically dies in front of her eyes, Estella is left to her own devices, chased by the Baroness’ Dalmatians. She teams up with a pair of petty thieves Jasper and Horace (Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser). Fry plays Jasper as the more sentimental, caring of the crew. Walter gets to play more broad comedy with more physicality. They become her new family and show her the ropes. What a team.  And their little dog Wink even has a pirate-style eye patch which serves them well. The little pup joins in the capers with the team, as in many Disney films. 

Estella’s dream is to become a fashion forward designer. When she trashes the showroom window of world-renowned fashion designer, Baroness von Hellman, (Emma Thompson), the strident aging Baroness takes notice and hires her. Little did Estella know that her boss would show her how to be as cruel while becoming her nemesis. Their fashion battle ramps up in high gear. Estella designs creations the Baroness resentfully admires. Both show more than ample attitude as they plot their next devilish moves. If looks could kill.

Emma Stone as Cruella sports signature blood red with black and white, even in her hair, always making a splash entrance. Emma Thompson as The Baroness von Hellman is exquisitely tailored in golds, greens and browns with sharp, angular collars to go along with her sharp tongue and glaring stare. The only exception is when she hosts the Black and White Ball wearing Cruella’s pallet. And Cruella leaves her mark saying, “Wreaking havoc at galas is my personal specialty.” Gillespie uses special effects which surprises here and throughout the film. No spoilers here. 

Gillespie uses 48 songs from the 60’s and 70’s to immerse the audience in the tone and style of the era. Songs from everyone from Nina Simone, Queen, Clash, Super Tramp, Blondie, and even “Car Wash” by Rose Royce. Vintage hit after hit from that time provides music that is as much a part of each scene as the actors. There’s an over abundance of stimulation for the ear and the eye. And the signature song, Call Me Cruella” by Florence and the Machine describes this designing villain to “T” or should we say “C.”