Overcoming Acting Challenges: Emma Stone’s Journey as Cruella de Vil
;The live-action remake of Disney’s classic animated film Cruella has added a new dimension to the iconic villain Cruella de Vil, with Emma Stone delivering a performance that defies expectations. Behind the glamour and makeup, the 32-year-old Oscar winner figured out ways to make Cruella more human and relatable. In an interview with The New York Times, Stone shared insights into the challenges she faced, particularly the absence of one of Cruella’s signature accessories: the cigarette holder.
The Absence of a Cigarette Holder
In Disney’s original animated version, Cruella de Vil is a villain deeply associated with a leather coat and a cigarette holder, earning her the notorious nickname 'The Cigarette Smoking Queen.' However, for Stone’s portrayal, one of these key accessories was notably missing. Stone opened up about the impact of this absence on her character: 'It was definitely a challenge, but it also helped me explore a different side of Cruella de Vil.’ While she missed the iconic cigarette holder, it allowed her to dig deeper into the psyche of the character without the convenience of a prop that many icons came to associate with.
The Art of Acting: Ensuring Relatability
Stone has always been praised for her method acting skills and her ability to delve deep into the emotional core of her characters. In Cruella, she had to recreate Cruella de Vil's persona in a way that felt genuine and relatable for modern audiences. For Stone, creating a balanced interpretation of Cruella was crucial: 'I wanted Cruella to be more than just a cake-walking villain. She should still have a menacing edge, but also be a bit more human."
Behind the Scenes: Gearing Up for Cruella
Preparation for any role is intense, but playing Cruella de Vil presented unique challenges. Stone worked closely with the makeup and costume teams to embody the iconic villain. Director Craig Gillespie was also key in bringing out Stone’s performance. 'Craig and I have a similar sensibility, and it made a huge difference in how we interpreted the character. We found that Cruella had a certain irony and fun, which we embraced,' she explained. Stone also spent time studying old Cruella de Vil merchandise, such as toys and collectibles, to really capture the essence of the character. This delved into a different level of understanding and interpretation that was crucial for her performance.
The Power of Relatability: Balancing Misery and Glamour
Emma Stone's portrayal of Cruella de Vil is a masterful blend of the cursed-chic persona and the dark sorrow that fuels her villainy. Through her acting, Stone brings a new depth to Cruella's character. This is evident in how she captures both the glamour and the misery of the character, creating a more nuanced villain. She shared her thoughts on this duality: 'Cruella, while wicked, is also a victim of circumstances. There is a sense of despair that informs her decisions and actions, and it’s that layered complexity that makes the character so compelling."
The Impact of Live-Action Remakes
Live-action remakes offer directors and actors a unique opportunity to reimagine characters from beloved stories. For Stone and Cruella, it was about taking a villain who was once a flat, one-dimensional character and breathing new life into her. Stone’s approach to becoming Cruella de Vil sets a new standard for how live-action remakes can engage with audiences by offering fresh, relatable interpretations of classic characters. Stone’s efforts have made Cruella de Vil relevant and interesting for a new generation of viewers.
Conclusion
In the world of acting, challenges can often lead to breakthrough performances. Emma Stone's portrayal of Cruella de Vil is a triumph of this principle. Through dedication, deep understanding, and emotional investment, she has added a new, compelling layer to the character. As Cruella returns to theaters, it’s clear that Stone’s interpretation of Cruella de Vil is not just another take on the character, but a definitive one that will be remembered for years to come.