Angelina Jolie has openly expressed her aversion to directing herself as she approaches the release of her directorial debut, "Unbroken."
Despite her versatility as an actress, Jolie admitted discomfort in the dual role and praised her ex-husband Brad Pitt, describing him as a pleasure to work with.
Currently promoting "Unbroken" to the global press, Jolie, a revered figure in American cinema, is positioning herself as a formidable film director. The movie, starring Jack O'Connell and penned by William Nicholson and the Coen brothers, narrates the true story of Louis Zamperini—a former delinquent turned Olympic athlete and World War II hero.
Jolie emphasizes that "Unbroken" transcends a typical war film, steering towards inspiration by portraying Zamperini's unwavering resilience amidst adversity. Moved by Zamperini's story, Jolie acknowledges the universal appeal of the narrative, showcasing human courage and the search for strength.
Zamperini, who passed away in July, witnessed an almost final version of the film from his hospital bed. Jolie remains deeply moved by his story, asserting that he desired not to be portrayed as an extraordinary figure but as someone embodying the courage within everyone.
The actress-director draws parallels between her own challenging moments as a teenager and Zamperini's journey, highlighting the significance of familial support. Reflecting on her past, Jolie acknowledges her mother's unwavering faith in her, a sentiment she continues to strive for today.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Jolie's life includes an Oscar win, a high-profile relationship with Brad Pitt, six children, and humanitarian work as a special envoy for the UN refugee agency. Additionally, she made headlines for undergoing a double mastectomy as a preventive measure against breast cancer.
Asked about her resilience, Jolie shares that while she hides her vulnerabilities well, the idea of her children facing illness or harm makes her emotionally fragile. Family, she asserts, is her greatest vulnerability.
Jolie's motivation for taking on the ambitious project of directing "Unbroken" stems from the desire to convey an exemplary message to her children. She sees the film as a powerful source of inspiration and a reminder of the strength found in kindness, drawing parallels to her experiences with refugees and survivors.
The fulfillment Jolie derives from directing has sparked contemplation about a potential shift away from acting, although she clarifies that recent retirement rumors are premature. Expressing a preference for directing over acting, she affirms her intention to continue participating in some film projects while exploring her newfound passion for storytelling behind the camera.
