The timeless tale of “101 Dalmatians” has long captivated audiences with its dastardly villainess, Cruella de Vil, whose insatiable lust for fur has left generations of children and adults in awe of her wickedness. In the cinematic world, two remarkable actresses, Glen Close and Emma Stone, have had the privilege of bringing this iconic character to life. However, what sets them apart is not just their acting prowess but also the age they portray Cruella at various stages of her tumultuous life.
The Origin Story Unveiled: Cruella’s Journey Through Time
The recent cinematic offering, aptly titled “Cruella,” is a revelation in itself. It delves into the enigmatic anti-hero’s origin story, offering an unprecedented glimpse into her past and the events that shaped her into the fashionable fiend we all love to hate. While both Glen Close and Emma Stone have taken on the mantle of Cruella, they do so at different junctures of her tumultuous life, shedding light on the evolution of this iconic character.
Glen Close: The Seasoned Schemer
Glen Close’s portrayal of Cruella de Vil in the 1996 live-action adaptation of “101 Dalmatians” is etched in the annals of cinematic history. At the time, Close embodied the Cruella who had already established herself as a seasoned fashion designer with a penchant for procuring fur from the most exotic and, more often than not, illegal sources. Her portrayal of Cruella was one of ruthless sophistication, a character who knew the ropes of her nefarious trade all too well.
In this iteration, Glen Close’s Cruella was undoubtedly older, a character who had already made her mark in the world of fashion. Close’s rendition of Cruella was marked by her calculated cruelty, her impeccable sense of style, and her signature half-black, half-white hairstyle. Her age, while never explicitly stated, suggested a woman who had been navigating the treacherous waters of the fashion industry for quite some time.
Emma Stone: The Young Trailblazer
Fast forward to the 2021 release of “Cruella,” and we are introduced to Emma Stone’s take on the character. Stone steps into the shoes of a much younger Cruella, one who is in the process of discovering her true identity and forging her path in the fashion world. This Cruella is a stark departure from the seasoned schemer we saw in Glen Close’s portrayal. Instead of focusing solely on fur poaching and villainous acts, Emma Stone’s Cruella takes us on a rollercoaster ride through her personal journey of self-discovery and transformation.
In this latest adaptation, Cruella’s age is explicitly addressed. Emma Stone’s character is introduced as Estella, a young and talented fashion enthusiast with a unique sense of style. Her transformation into Cruella de Vil is a gradual one, marked by a series of events that push her to embrace her darker, more rebellious side. Emma Stone’s portrayal brings depth and complexity to the character, showcasing the emotional turmoil and inner conflicts that drive Cruella’s transformation.
A Tale of Two Ages: Adding Layers to the Character
The decision to depict Cruella at different ages in the two cinematic adaptations adds layers of complexity to the character and enriches the overall storytelling experience. Glen Close’s portrayal highlights Cruella’s maturity and cunning, making her a formidable adversary for the dalmatian puppies and their owners. In contrast, Emma Stone’s Cruella is a character in the throes of self-discovery, making her relatable to a younger generation of viewers who may be grappling with their own sense of identity and purpose.
The age difference between the two Cruellas also allows for a deeper exploration of the character’s motivations. Close’s Cruella is driven by her insatiable desire for fur, while Stone’s Cruella is motivated by a desire to break free from societal constraints and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. The juxtaposition of these two motivations adds depth to the character and offers a more nuanced understanding of what makes Cruella tick.
A Legacy Continues: Glen Close and Emma Stone
Glen Close’s iconic portrayal of Cruella in the 1996 version of “101 Dalmatians” undoubtedly contributed greatly to the character’s enduring popularity. Her portrayal set the bar high for anyone daring to take on the role in the future. Close’s Cruella was the epitome of villainy, a character who relished in her wickedness and stopped at nothing to achieve her goals. Her larger-than-life performance left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and firmly established Cruella de Vil as one of Disney’s most memorable villains.
Emma Stone, however, skillfully builds upon this legacy in “Cruella.” She brings a fresh perspective to the character, breathing new life into Cruella’s origin story. Stone’s performance is a testament to her acting prowess, as she seamlessly transitions from the demure Estella to the audacious Cruella. Her portrayal is marked by a sense of vulnerability and complexity, allowing audiences to empathize with Cruella’s journey of self-discovery and transformation.
In Conclusion: Cruella’s Age as a Storytelling Device
In the world of cinema, the age of a character can serve as a powerful storytelling device. In the case of Cruella de Vil, the decision to depict her at different ages in the cinematic adaptations adds depth and dimension to her character. Glen Close’s seasoned schemer and Emma Stone’s young trailblazer offer contrasting but equally compelling interpretations of Cruella’s journey.
Whether you prefer the calculated cruelty of Glen Close’s Cruella or the emotional complexity of Emma Stone’s, one thing is certain: Cruella de Vil is a character whose allure and wickedness will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come. The age of Cruella may change, but her status as one of Disney’s most iconic villains remains timeless.