Angelina Jolie stands as one of the few remaining actors in Hollywood who embody the classic, silver screen star power we associate with the Golden Age. Her patrician features, red-carpet glamour, and Academy Award, earned early in her career, solidified her place in the firmament almost three decades ago. Now, with her transformative role as opera legend Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria,’ she finds herself in the Oscar conversation once again, following the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival. As we celebrate her latest accomplishment, let’s take a nostalgic journey through some of her most memorable roles.
At just 22 years old, Jolie took on the challenging role of the captivating and turbulent model, Gia, in Michael Cristofer’s poignant biopic, ‘Gia.’ This role, which leaned into both her ethereal beauty and her talent for portraying emotional depth, propelled her into the stratosphere. ‘Gia’ earned her a Golden Globe and SAG Award. Following ‘Gia’ came ‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999), a psychiatric ward-set ensemble drama directed by James Mangold. Jolie’s portrayal of the charismatic, sultry, and rebellious sociopath, Lisa, earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Even amongst a talented cast including Winona Ryder, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy, and Elisabeth Moss, Jolie’s performance as the volatile live wire was impossible to ignore.
In 2001, Jolie proved her ability to carry action films with her portrayal of Lara Croft in Simon West’s bombastic blockbuster, ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.’ Racing through jungles, swinging through ancient temples, firing shotguns, and battling enemies, Jolie established herself as a formidable and bankable action star. The franchise continued with Jan de Bont’s explosive sequel, ‘The Cradle of Life’ (2003).
The splashy spy thriller, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2005), brought Jolie together with Brad Pitt, sparking a whirlwind of tabloid headlines and one of Hollywood’s most famous marriages. Directed by Doug Liman, the film is a rollicking romp, featuring Jolie and Pitt as assassins tasked with killing each other.
Clint Eastwood’s compelling mystery, ‘Changeling’ (2008), saw Jolie deliver a powerhouse performance as a distraught mother searching for her missing son in 1920s Los Angeles. Her portrayal of grief, longing, sorrow, and unbridled fury earned her a second Oscar nomination.
Jolie embraced the role of the ice-cold mistress of evil, Maleficent, in Robert Stromberg’s twisted fairytale, ‘Maleficent’ (2014) and its sequel, ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), directed by Joachim Rønning. With her giant horns, sharp cheekbones, and blood-red lips, Jolie brought a deliciously devious and surprisingly sympathetic dimension to the villainous character.
Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’ (2024) is undeniably the role of a lifetime for Jolie, and she embraces it with gusto. The film is a love letter to the transcendent diva Maria Callas, and Jolie perfectly captures the music legend’s swan-like grace, mystique, hauteur, and heartbreak as she approaches the end of her life. ‘Maria’ is a testament to Jolie’s enduring talent and power as an actress, proving that at the cusp of turning 50, she is only just beginning to reach her full potential.
