59. Cruella DeVil

Big Reputations

In this episode, we discuss Cruella deVil and all of her origin stories throughout various forms of media. We talk about how other characters viewed and treated her, and how those relationships or lack there of affected her and influenced her actions. Then we dive into how audiences viewed her over the years, depending on the adaptations they grew up with. Lastly we discuss her motivations, and how we think she saw herself in an attempt to, if not redeem her, at least make her more sympathetic.

Spoiler Alert for any of the 101 Dalmatian stories really, but especially for the 2021 film, Cruella starring Emma Stone. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it and come back when you’re done. Or be prepared to have the whole thing spoiled!

Trigger Warnings: animal cruelty and murder

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Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois

Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo

Music: Shawn P. Russell

Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell

Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois

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Sources:

• Books: One Hundred and One Dalmatians, by Dodie Smith and Evil Things by Serena Valentino
• Movies: 101 Dalmatians (1961 and 1996), Cruella (2021)
• "Was Cruella De Vil Right? 101 Dalmatians Misunderstood Disney Villain," on YouTube
• "Cruella's Changing Perception: From Spoiled Socialite to Rising Fashion Star," by Sarah Bahr
• "Does 'Cruella' Redeem Disney's Greatest Villain? And Should It?," by John Boone