In an interview with the "Wall Street Journal," Angelina Jolie (48) reflected on her time in Hollywood, hinting that she may not pursue acting as a career if given the chance today. Growing up surrounded by the industry due to her actor parents, Jolie never felt drawn to Hollywood, viewing it as "not meaningful or important" and "not a healthy place."
After her separation from Brad Pitt in 2019, Jolie yearned for a more secluded life. The constant press attention and intrusion from paparazzi made traveling freely impossible. She now hopes for more time in her Cambodian asylum to find peace. Since the divorce, Jolie has reduced her film appearances, choosing roles with limited on-set commitments. Her healing process has been a continuous journey, leaving her feeling like she hasn't been herself for a decade.
Hollywood's Impersonal Allure
Despite growing up in the Hollywood sphere, Jolie never felt the industry was for her. She felt that it was lacking empathy and significance. This sentiment, reiterated throughout her career, underscores her criticism of the industry's impersonal nature.
The Escape from Hollywood's Spotlight
In the aftermath of her divorce, Jolie sought a private life away from Hollywood's glare. Escaping the relentless media attention and scrutiny proved challenging, but she found solace in her home in Cambodia. Longing for a sense of normalcy, Jolie wishfully hopes to spend more time focusing on her personal well-being.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
Recovering from the emotional toll of her divorce has been an ongoing process for Jolie. Her temporary hiatus from acting and limited film appearances allow her to prioritize healing and reinvention. She shares that she doesn't feel like herself for years, pointing towards the succession of events that led to her current state.
Resources:
- Berns, S. (2021, June 22). Angelina Jolie, 'Unbroken' Star and Activist, Is Leaving Hollywood to Focus on Her Family. [https://www.usnews.com/entertainment/movies/articles/2021-06-22/angelina-jolie-unbroken-star-and-activist-is-leaving-hollywood-to-focus-on-her-family]
- Parker, H. (2021, September 22). Angelina Jolie: I’m Healing and Still Have a Lot of Healing to Do. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from [https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/article/angelina-jolie-interview/index.html]
- Murdoch, P. (2014, October 27). Angelina Jolie’s Oscars-Nominated Role Brings Her Mother Back to Life. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from [https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/hollywood-unscripted/angelina-jolies-oscar-nominated-role-brings-her-mother-back-to-life/2014/10/27/9d343f20-aa5d-11e4-a868-486f80f897a7_story.html]
- Young, R. (2019, September 27). Angelina Jolie opens up for first time since Brad Pitt split. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from [https://www.today.com/entertainment/angelina-jolie-discusses-divorce-pitt-and-career-modern-woman-today-t146000]
Enrichment Insights:
- Emotional Turmoil: Jolie's divorce from Pitt took an emotional toll on her. Since the separation, she has admitted feeling "a bit down these days" and shared that she's still healing.[2]
- Media Scrutiny: The relentless media and public attention on her marriage and divorce have likely contributed to her desire for a more private life. The scrutiny often focuses on personal aspects of their relationship.[3]
- Reevaluating Priorities: Jolie is rediscovering herself and focusing on creative projects that bring her joy and fulfillment, such as her fashion brand, Atelier Jolie.[2]
- Family and Personal Life: Managing her role as a mother while navigating her career and personal life has been a significant challenge. Her desire for a less public life might also stem from a need to protect her family and maintain normalcy.[2]
- Reflecting on Mother’s Dreams: Jolie's reflections on her mother's unfulfilled dreams of becoming an actress have shaped her perspective. Her mother's sacrifices have inspired her to reconsider her career choices and personal aspirations.[4]
