In the spotlight of the cinematic world, Emma Stone's portrayal of Cruella de Vil in the recently released Disney film "Cruella" has sparked conversations, critiques, and analyses.
Notably, fans have observed a departure from the iconic image of the villain with her signature cigarette holder, raising questions about the change. Emma Stone herself addressed this alteration in a recent interview with The New York Times, shedding light on the reasons behind Cruella's smoke-free persona.
The actress revealed a significant shift in industry standards, stating that smoking is now prohibited on sets in 2021, even in a Disney movie. Reflecting on the absence of the distinctive cigarette holder, Stone expressed disappointment, mentioning her initial excitement to incorporate the iconic column of green smoke into the character's portrayal. However, the actress acknowledged the industry-wide policy that restricted smoking onscreen.
Furthermore, Emma Stone emphasized her personal stance on the matter, indicating that she did not want to promote smoking. In a candid remark, she added, "I'm not trying to promote skinned puppies either," alluding to the dark nature of Cruella's character and distancing her version from certain elements associated with the classic Disney villain.
Reports from Just Jared highlighted that Disney implemented a smoking ban in its movies around 2007, extending the prohibition to its subsidiaries, including Lucasfilm, Marvel, and Pixar. This move aligns with a broader industry trend towards responsible portrayals on screen, reflecting evolving societal perceptions of smoking and its associated health risks.
In the original Disney cartoon version, Cruella de Vil was characterized by an elegant long red cigarette holder, enveloped in a thread of green smoke. This distinctive accessory became synonymous with the character's eccentricity. Even when Glenn Close brought the character to life in 1996, she retained the unique item, emphasizing its significance in capturing the essence of Cruella.
The decision to exclude smoking from Cruella's character aligns not only with contemporary industry regulations but also with a growing awareness of the health consequences of smoking. As societal attitudes towards smoking have evolved, responsible portrayals in media have become a priority, departing from earlier times when smoking was commonly featured in films and advertising, often glamorized as a symbol of status. Emma Stone's portrayal of Cruella in a smoke-free context reflects a conscious effort to align with modern sensibilities and social responsibility in filmmaking.
