Cruella: The Origin of a Villain

Taking its cue from the classic Disney animation 101 Dalmatians and its 1996 live-action remake starring Glenn Close, Cruella presents the backstory of one of cinema’s most iconic villains, Cruella de Vil, portrayed by Emma Stone. Originally known as Estella, the film transports us to punk-era Seventies London, where Estella makes a living as a thief while secretly aspiring to work in the fashion world. Her journey begins when she attracts the attention of the renowned Baroness von Hellman, played by Emma Thompson, prompting her transformation into the dog-loving vamp we have come to recognize.

Director and Production Design

Directed by Craig Gillespie, famed for I, Tonya, and scripted by Tony McNamara, the writer of The Favourite and The Great, Cruella is rich with sharp characters and witty dialogue. Moreover, the visual splendor is breathtaking, as the film mirrors the highly stylized aesthetics of both the original animated version of 101 Dalmatians and the live-action adaptation from 1996.

Set Design and Locations

A significant portion of the film was shot at Surrey’s Shepperton Studios. The talented production designer Fiona Crombie and set decorator Alice Felton crafted a total of 130 distinct sets, ranging from Estella’s humble abode to the lavish interiors of the Baroness’s estate. This included a chandeliered ballroom and her fashion headquarters, The House of Baroness, inspired by a Christian Dior exhibition. Notably, this set features a split-level design, allowing the fashionable queen to oversee her domain.

Filming Locations

Cruella also showcases around 40 filming locations, primarily in London. Given that the story unfolds in the 1970s, several backdrops were altered using CGI to reflect the dramatic changes in the city. The film captures both famous streets and lesser-known locales in a captivating way.