11 Reasons Cate Blanchett Is the Best Part of Cinderella
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Disney's live-action Cinderella is finally here! While we've spent time obsessing over the stunning pictures and figuring out how it compares to the animated film, there's one thing in particular we need to address: Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. Somehow, in spite of Cinderella's stunning blue dress and the Prince's swoon-worthy blue eyes, Blanchett really steals the spotlight, from her first scene to her last. Keep reading to see how she breathes new life into the classic wicked stepmother archetype.
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She's Flawless From the Moment She Enters the Movie
In the same way that Miranda Priestly saunters into the Runway magazine office in The Devil Wears Prada, Lady Tremaine enters Cinderella with fierceness and finesse. You really can't help but gasp as she sashays her way in.
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She Absolutely Nails That Awful Cackle
It's like nails on a chalkboard, in the best way. Which is really saying something. In fact, most of her inflection in general is so on-point, it's eerie.
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Every Look, Facial Expression, and Hand Movement Is So Calculated
There's no doubt that Cate Blanchett has not only mastered the role of the wicked stepmother, she's become her. It's quite the spectacle to witness.
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Her Clothes Are Nothing Short of Breathtaking
Every outfit is just sensational. End of story. And she can rock it in a corset just as well as Cinderella can.
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You Can Spot the Crazy, Insane, Evil Gleam in Her Eye
With one look, and one look alone, you can watch her entire diabolical plan unfolding.
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And That Perfectly Sinister Lip Pout
Don't you feel so conflicted? On one hand you hate her so much, but you can't help but secretly wish you could be her.
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Despite Her Ugly Personality, Her Beauty Is Somehow Mesmerizing
It's true — Lady Tremaine is undeniably vile on the inside. You can't deny Blanchett's beauty, though, and it offers an interesting juxtaposition.
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She's the Actual Embodiment of the Worst Stage Mom You Can Imagine
Much like Cinderella's coach, every stepmother moment at the royal ball is pure gold.
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She Seamlessly Weaves In a Little Vulnerability
One of the most fascinating parts of this iteration of Lady Tremaine is you can't help but feel bad for her. In one of the most intense scenes in the film, she not only interrogates Cinderella about the origin of the glass slippers, but she reveals the tumultuous string of events that turned her into the monster she is.
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She Epitomizes Everything Evil in the Best Way
Never has the term "evil genius" been more applicable. Lady Tremaine is a complicated woman, to be sure, but the way we see her cruelty, her motivation, her beauty, and her determination all at once is truly riveting.