Angelina Jolie has long been a celebrated actress and humanitarian, known for her roles in iconic films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. Despite her worldwide fame and numerous awards, Jolie has recently expressed frustration with how she’s been perceived in Hollywood, particularly regarding her status as an actress. In an interview about her upcoming role as opera singer Maria Callas in Maria, she opened up about how she has often felt that no one has taken her seriously as an actress.
Jolie’s Struggles with Being Taken Seriously
Angelina Jolie’s career has seen its ups and downs, but one theme that has resurfaced throughout her time in the industry is the perception that her acting talent has often been overshadowed by her personal life, her humanitarian work, or her high-profile marriages, particularly to Brad Pitt. Despite winning an Oscar for her supporting role in Girl, Interrupted (1999) and receiving acclaim for performances in films like A Mighty Heart (2007), Jolie has admitted that she feels her ability as an actress has been underappreciated.
In the interview, Jolie explained that many people view her as a celebrity first and as an actress second. Her humanitarian work, such as her role as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, has often eclipsed her achievements in acting. While this work is important to her and has garnered admiration from many, it has led some to overlook her capabilities as a serious actor. She remarked that this dual perception has been a frustrating reality throughout her career, especially given the depth she brings to her roles.
Maria Callas: A Role of a Lifetime
Her most recent project, the biographical drama Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, is a testament to her continued commitment to her craft. In Maria, Jolie portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, a role that requires not only acting skill but also musical training, as the film explores the final weeks of Callas’ life. Jolie, who had to learn opera singing for the role, noted that she was nervous about performing live opera, due to past insecurities related to singing. These vulnerabilities, however, became part of her preparation process, helping her to tap into the raw emotional depth of the character.
The journey to portraying Callas was not without its challenges. Jolie revealed that a past relationship had made her insecure about her ability to sing, which impacted her confidence for years. Overcoming these obstacles became a deeply personal journey, as she worked through her insecurities to master the demanding role of Callas, an iconic and complex figure in both the opera world and history.
The Impact of Maria on Jolie’s Career
Despite her hesitations about being taken seriously, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is already generating significant buzz. Critics have praised her commitment to the role, noting her transformative performance. Pablo Larraín, the director of Maria, expressed his astonishment at Jolie’s ability to channel the intense emotions of Callas, describing her performance as “operatic” in its raw expression. For Jolie, this film represents more than just a professional milestone—it is an opportunity to challenge herself as an artist and redefine her place in the acting world.
While she has remained humble about her success in Maria, the film’s positive reception indicates that she is being recognized for her craft once again. This marks a pivotal moment in her career, potentially shifting the narrative around her acting talent.
The Media’s Role in Shaping Jolie’s Image
The media has played a significant role in shaping public perception of Jolie, often focusing more on her personal life than her professional accomplishments. The media frenzy surrounding her relationships, her divorce from Brad Pitt, and her role as a mother to six children has sometimes overshadowed her contributions to cinema. Additionally, her humanitarian work, which includes advocating for refugees and speaking out about human rights, often positions her as a figure of global importance, rather than one defined solely by her acting career.
Jolie herself has expressed frustration with the way her career has been framed in the press. She has been praised for her humanitarian efforts but has often been dismissed as an actress who simply exists in the shadow of her famous partners or charitable endeavors. In her latest comments, she expressed a desire to be taken seriously for her acting achievements, rather than her personal life or philanthropy.
Jolie’s Legacy and Future in Film
While Jolie may feel that her acting talent has not always been given its due recognition, she has continued to deliver memorable performances and push boundaries in her roles. Her willingness to tackle challenging characters, like the duality of Maleficent or the tragic depth of Maria Callas, shows that she remains committed to her craft and willing to grow as an artist.
Looking ahead, it is likely that Jolie will continue to face challenges in being seen as a serious actor, particularly as the entertainment industry often gravitates toward celebrity culture. However, her role in Maria suggests that her acting talents are once again at the forefront of her career. The film’s success could help shift the narrative surrounding Jolie, giving her the recognition she has long deserved as a talented and serious actress.
While Maria represents a new chapter for Jolie, it is also a reminder that acting is a craft that requires dedication, vulnerability, and the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. As she continues to evolve as both an actress and a filmmaker, it seems clear that Jolie is determined to prove that she is more than just a celebrity—she is a force in the entertainment world who deserves to be recognized for her talent and commitment to her art.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s reflections on her career and the perception of her talent highlight a key struggle faced by many actors: the challenge of being defined by their public persona rather than their professional abilities. Despite the challenges she faces in being taken seriously, Jolie’s performance in Maria and her dedication to her craft prove that she is far more than just a headline. As she continues to take on roles that challenge her and push her boundaries, there’s hope that the industry—and the public—will begin to recognize the depth of her skill as an actress, reaffirming her place among the greats of Hollywood.