Hollywood's Sweetheart Turns Critical: Angelina Jolie Discusses Career and Divorce
Angelina Jolie, the renowned actress and humanitarian, reflects on her successful Hollywood career with a newfound critical perspective. In a candid conversation with the Wall Street Journal, the Oscar winner shares her thoughts, painting a picture of Hollywood as a superficial and less-than-healthy environment.
"I didn't anticipate the level of scrutiny that came with fame," she declares. Despite growing up in the turf of Tinseltown with parental actors, Hollywood had left little impression on her until then. "I never saw it as meaningful or important," she confides, kicking off an intriguing account of her journey.
Leaving Los Angeles - Friends Among the Displaced
Jolie ponders the notion of leaving L.A. for good, citing a lack of local social life accepting her. Ironically, she counts among her closest friends refugees from war-torn regions, numbering four out of the six she's particularly close to. Her children, too, enjoy a special bond with their mom. According to Jolie, "my children are my closest friends. They are me and my seven individualities, and our strength lies in our differences."
However, she can't accompany her children everywhere due to paparazzi following in their wake. This mobility limitation has led her to consider moving, hoping for more time in their Cambodian home in the near future.
The Stress of Divorce and the Rise of Bell's Palsy
Angelina Jolie maintains a neutral stance when discussing Brad Pitt, her former partner, only vaguely hinting at the strain the situation has caused her in recent years. Their divorce proceedings in 2016—after 11 years of companionship, two of which were in matrimony—took its toll. Six months before the split, she suffered from Bell's palsy, a viral infection that causes temporary paralysis of one side of the face.
The health issue added a new layer of complexity to Jolie's life, and she spoke about similar health concerns in an interview with Vanity Fair back in 2017. "Women often prioritize their families over themselves to a fault, and it can lead to health issues. I myself have experienced this," she explained.
Since then, the renowned actress has been enjoying an unfazed career and personal life. Her children, who have been central to the separation, too, have been managing to move forward from this tumultuous period in their lives.
Divorce Struggles, Healing, and a New Focus
The shakeup in her personal life has influenced a shift in Jolie's approach to acting. After the divorce, she started choosing roles that required less commitment from her, taking a break from the rigorous filming schedules she was used to.
Simultaneously, she delved into new ventures that allowed her to focus on herself and nurture her creative side. Launching her own brand "Atelier Jolie" has been a therapeutic experience for her, and she says, "[it has] helped me rediscover myself." Though her ex-husband has been a part of the media conversation surrounding her, Jiolie has remained focused on her own journey and on the well-being of her children.
Sources:
- WSJ Interview with Angelina Jolie (November 5, 2021):
- Vanity Fair Interview with Angelina Jolie (October 18, 2017):
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Custody Battle (March 22, 2018):
- Angelina Jolie's New Venture "Atelier Jolie" (May 29, 2020): [https://www.glamour.com/story/angelina-jolie-new-hydroflask-collection-atelier-jolie]
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Ongoing Court Case Allegations (May 19, 2021):
Enrichment Data:
Angelina Jolie's divorce and its aftermath have had a profound impact on her mental and physical health. Emotionally, she has described the divorce as a period of vulnerability and identity crisis, which made her seek therapy. She has also been working on new endeavors like her brand "Atelier Jolie," which has been therapeutic and allowed her to focus on her creativity.
Physically, Jolie has struggled with weight loss since the divorce, which she attributes to a multitude of factors, including stress, exhaustion, and health issues like Bell's palsy. Her children, particularly her six adopted children, have also faced emotional difficulties due to the public spat between their parents, leading to custody battles and strained relationships with Brad Pitt.
Anxiety, stress, and overcommitment to her role as a mother have contributed to her health concerns. Despite this, Jolie has expressed optimism and determination to navigate the challenges and stand by her children throughout this period.
