Oops, did I type that out?
Via @BrianFaughnan, who is correct: CRUELLA does seem off. It might just be the trailer — or it might be that it’s kind of weird to make movies about villains. I’m also struck by the problem that it’s much easier to make a character unattractive in an animated movie than live-action. I absolutely get that Emma Stone didn’t want to lose seventy-five pounds and wear a too-loose skin suit, but… actually, somebody’s already summed it up:
All right, all right: I’ll leave this movie alone. Goths get to be pandered to, too. Their money’s as good as everybody else’s.
I don’t have a problem with this movie. Or with Maleficient, or other mining of the archives to explore the villain characters.
But I am a little saddened at the over all trend in literature and in movies to explore and elevate the villain as a more interesting protagonist and character to write than the hero. I think it shows a fairly shallow understanding of what it means to be a hero.
Part of it is, they do not find heroes interesting. The last one that was a true blue by God heroic person was Captain America- and they did it darn well (even if Chris Evans is a…) Now that might be because the first movie done by the same guy who did the Rocketeer (and this was an inspired choice) as both movies had the same sense of wonder and fulfilled that spot that still lurks in Men’s hearts after they grow up. The one that thrills to hear about George Washington, or stares in wonder at the scene in El Cid when everyone kneels before Sancho and Charlton Heston stays standing. Florence King discussed that thrill that goes through you in a piece called ‘Matchstick Men.’ One of the examples she uses is seeing a regular guy saying to another guy ‘Adlai really told him!’ when Adlai Stevenson stood before the Soviet ambassador (from a transcript I found):
(The Soviet representative refused to answer.)
You can answer yes or no. You have denied they exist. I want to know if I understood you correctly. I am prepared to wait for my answer until hell freezes over, if that’s your decision. And I am also prepared to present the evidence in this room.
(The President called on the representative of Chile to speak, but Ambassador Stevenson continued as follows.)
I have not finished my statement. I asked you a question. I have had no reply to the question, and I will now proceed, if I may, to finish my statement.
These things are important, but it is all Greek to them.
The first Wonder Woman was not a bad version either (even if it borrowed a lot from Cap.)
The point I am trying to make is that these are heroes who WANT to be heroes… or are heroes without even trying by their word and deed. Not reluctant heroes. Not anti-heroes. Those have their place, but they do not give that same feeling, that thrill.
Oh goody.
Another bit about about a STRONG INDEPENDENT WOMAN victimized and demonized by the patriarchy.
Can’t wait.
Taz, slay the queen.
Or something.