Celebrating Angelina Jolie
Over the years, she has become a role model for many, not just for her work as an actress and director, but also as a humanitarian, consistently using her platform to advocate for meaningful causes.
Written by Maria Paula Acosta
Actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has led a widely recognized and impactful career. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve heard all kinds of stories about her, and I’ve always been starstruck by her career, beauty, talent, and strength.
Jolie rose to fame in the late 90s, starring in films like Girl, Interrupted (1999), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Other notable roles include Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Maleficent (2014), and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), where she portrayed iconic characters, solidifying her as a leading Hollywood figure.
Beyond acting, Jolie has made significant contributions as a humanitarian, working closely with the United Nations and raising global awareness, always urging governments to act with compassion and urgency. Her role in A Mighty Heart (2007) allowed her to delve into the complexities of human rights, further reflecting her off-screen commitments. Jolie frequently leverages her platform to spotlight global crises, including access to education, gender equality, and healthcare for refugees.
Angelina Jolie made her feature directorial debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011). Since then, she has become known for tackling themes of genocide, war, and trauma in her films. Unafraid to confront difficult subject matter, she is often praised for using cinema as a tool for education and awareness.
Over the years, she has become a role model for many, not just for her work as an actress and director, but as a humanitarian, consistently using her platform to advocate for meaningful causes.
To celebrate her birthday, nothing is better than a list of films that are a must-watch from her incredible filmography!
Maria (2024)
After a three-year hiatus, Jolie made her return to the big screen in a challenging role that showcased not only her powerful performance but also her dedication, as she took on the task of learning to sing opera.
Set in 1977, Maria follows the last months of the opera singer Maria Callas, who spent her final days in Paris accompanied by Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino), her devoted butler, and Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher), her faithful housekeeper.
When a television crew arrives at her apartment to interview her, it becomes clear that Mandrax (the interviewer portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee) and his cameraman are only hallucinations caused by her medication, reinforcing the fact that Callas was struggling.
Jolie delivers one of the finest performances of her career, reaffirming her talent by bringing remarkable depth to the role. She skillfully navigates Maria’s emotional journey, balancing raw intensity with a delicate distinction. And to this day, I still think she got snubbed for Best Actress.
Where to Watch: available on MUBI Canada and Netflix US or to rent on Prime Video or Apple TV (Canada)
Gia (1998)
Angelina Jolie once said, “I always play women I would date,” and honestly, I believe her.
Gia is a haunting and emotionally biographical drama based on the life of model Gia Carangi. The film focuses on Gia’s meteoric rise to fame in the fashion world. Also exploring her troubled relationship with make-up artist Linda (Elizabeth Mitchell) and ultimately, her struggle with addiction, leading to her early death.
Jolie uniquely portrays Gia with her rawness and vulnerability, bringing a self-destructive character to life. She creates a striking portrait of a woman torn between fame, ambition, and internal struggles, nailing the emotional extremes with depth and sensitivity. Elizabeth Mitchell adds an important layer to the film as Linda represents the stability in Gia’s chaotic life. The chemistry between Mitchell and Jolie feels genuine, intensifying the emotional impact of the story.
This film is underrated and heartbreaking, just like Jolie’s performance. If you’re looking for a film with incredible acting and an emotionally charged story, Gia is the one to watch.
Where to Watch: available to stream on Crave (Canada)
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
If there is something Angelina Jolie can do, it’s ACT. And I hope she got some support because doing two heavily emotional films back-to-back doesn’t seem easy.
The film is an emotional exploration of mental health, centering on Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder), a young woman who is checked into a psychiatric hospital against her will. There, she encounters a series of patients who each battle with mental health struggles, including Lisa (Angelina Jolie), a rebellious sociopath with manipulative behaviour.
Becoming one of her most iconic roles, Angelina’s portrayal of Lisa is the heart of the film, delivering an electrifying and deep performance. Jolie captures perfectly the manic energy of a woman who refuses to be helped and restricted by the expectations of society. This is probably my favorite performance from Angelina.
This is a perfect fit for Angelina’s talent, seamlessly blending comedy and tragedy with a natural ease. The chaos, energy, and presence are unpredictable, sometimes captivating and sweet, other times reckless and unstable. What's most impressive is how, despite all the anger and pain behind her character, she reveals the humanity of Lisa's instability. In some way, I felt very connected with Angelina's character, not because I could fully relate to her mental status, but for the way she's not understood.
The first time I watched this film, I was highly captivated by her, and in a way. Making it one of my favorite performances of hers, particularly for how she portrays mental health with such intensity and authenticity.
Girl, Interrupted is an important film to watch, even if you don’t struggle with mental health; it’s still highly recommended to reflect on how it affects the people around you.
Where to Watch: available to stream on Netflix (Canada)
Without Blood (2024)
It is not a secret that Angelina is an advocate for human rights, and it can be reflected throughout her filmography, specifically in films she has directed. Without Blood is a violent film showing the reality and consequences of war.
I had the pleasure of attending the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, where Angelina gave a small speech before the screening. She emphasized and warned the audience of how violent the film would get: “This isn’t an easy film,” Jolie said.
Without Blood explores the themes of family, war, and revenge. Set in early 20th-century Mexico, a group of armed men advances toward a farmhouse, targeting a doctor and his two children—a son and a daughter. Years later, after the assassination of her family, Nina (Salma Hayek) returns seeking revenge. Engaging with a lottery seller, Tito (Demián Bichir), who knows why she has come. The movie is based on a book following the same title.
Both Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir deliver a compelling performance. Director Angelina brings a distinctive, poetic approach. Using significant dialogue throughout flashbacks to convey the memories of the characters. Jolie’s direction is intimate and patient, allowing the audience to feel the weight of different scenes.
I love the visuals of the film and the way it was told. The 90 minutes surely feel longer, not because it’s boring, but because you feel the involvement and emotions of the characters. I couldn’t recommend it enough to watch Angelina’s directorial projects. I highly recommend exploring Angelina’s directorial work—not only does she portray real-life struggles, but she also delves into the deeper emotional and psychological aftermath. Constantly choosing a path that aligns with her values, even when it costs her popularity or box office momentum.
Where to watch: TBC
Honourable Mentions: Changeling (2008), Eternals (2021), Maleficent (2014), Wanted (2008), First They Killed My Father (2017).
Photos: The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix (Pax Jolie-Pitt), Stefano Cristiano
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