Introduction
“Cruella” (2021) takes you on an exciting journey into the backstory of Disney’s Cruella de Vil. Beyond the glitz and heists, the movie delves into the complex workings of society, letting us examine social classes, who hold power, and how specific beliefs shape the characters. I aim to understand how “Cruella” shows and questions the way society is structured, prompting high school audiences to think about social classes, power imbalances, and personal identity in the story.
Class Structures and Conflicts
Class structures in “Cruella” are vividly established through the stark contrast between the bourgeois fashion world and the proletariat’s struggles. Cruella’s assertion, “From the very beginning, I’ve always made a statement. Not everyone appreciated that. That’s unfortunate,” encapsulates her defiance of societal norms (Cruella Transcript). Estella, initially part of the lower class, dreams of ascending the social ladder through her fashion talents, aligning with the ethos of making a statement.
Power Dynamics and Oppression
The movie portrays characters with varying social and economic power. Cruella’s assertive statement, “How does the saying go? ‘I am a woman. Hear me roar,’” embodies upper-class strength (Cruella Transcript). Estella, Jasper, and Horace, initially from the working class, strive for upward mobility, reflecting a struggle for recognition. Baroness exploits Estella’s talents to expose oppression. As a narrator from the proletariat, Estella highlights challenges at society’s bottom. This dynamic underscores the film’s exploration of class struggles, emphasizing the power and opportunity disparities between the privileged elite and the working class.
Hegemony and the Status Quo
The dominant hegemony in “Cruella” is the fashion-centric culture that values opulence and extravagance. The Baroness embodies the status quo, maintaining control over societal norms. Cruella’s rebellion against this hegemony becomes a central theme as she challenges the established order, aligning with the transformative nature.
Influences of Socioeconomic Ideologies
Oppressive socioeconomic ideologies profoundly influence the characters’ behaviors in the film. Cruella’s pursuit of making a statement and challenging the status quo reflects the impact of capitalism on individual motivations. The Baroness’s desire for power echoes the film’s overarching themes, connecting with her quote, “If you need to talk about power, you don’t have it” (Cruella Transcript).
Whose Story Gets Told?
The film primarily focuses on Estella’s narrative, offering insight into her transformation into Cruella. However, it also explores the stories of characters like Jasper and Horace, shedding light on the untold tales of the proletariat.
Conclusion
“Cruella” explores socioeconomic themes through a glamorous narrative. Using a Marxist lens, the film prompts viewers to consider class structures, power dynamics, and identity pursuits in a society where fashion symbolizes expression and social status.
Work Cited
“Cruella (2021) – Transcript.” Scraps from the Loft, 2021.