Angelina Jolie’s fantastic EW interview
Recently Angelina Jolie did an intimate interview with Entertainment Weekly. Aside from the fact that she was lamenting how hard it is to shop for Brad Pitt, what with Father’s Day around the corner (she says he has impeccable design tastes and often buys the things he likes for himself before anyone else can get it for him), she chatted about her family life and movies.
Some great highlights?
On what her movie Wanted is, as compared to Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
EW: I was describing the plot of Wanted to a friend and she said, ”So instead of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, this is just Mrs. Smith.”
Angelina: Maybe this is Mrs. Smith after she killed Mr. Smith, went into depression, and got very, very, very moody. Fox is not happy, and she’s not easy to be around. She was interesting to me because she isn’t the love interest and she isn’t having fun with it like the Tomb Raider. She’s darker.
What with all the people who constantly complain that it’s hypocritical to play in movies with death and destruction when you’re promoting goodwill with the UNHCR, I loved this quote:
EW: Do you worry that people will have a hard time squaring this gun-toting character with your role as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador? They do seem quite incongruous.
Angelina: I am a strong believer that without justice there is no peace. No lasting peace, anyway. I’m somebody who’s very curious about the International Criminal Court and supportive of following through on the arrest warrants in Darfur. I’m not somebody that just wants to hold up a white flag and say, ”Let’s all just get along.” I think people that do horrible things should be held accountable. I don’t think like in Wanted — which is an action movie — people should [just] be killed. I think there should be trials and justice. But the idea behind Wanted is not that she’s a badass assassin that just likes to kill people. It’s that, if you ran into Hitler before he did everything, and you knew, should you shoot him? And I would. These assassins are getting lists: They find out who is going to slaughter other people ahead of time and they remove them. So that was the side of me that identified with her. But it is a confusing thing, certainly for rights activists. Don’t read too much into it. I am holding a gun, but there are so many people that have done so many horrible things… Pol Pot died a grandfather in the jungle, most likely of old age. Never was punished for what he did.
An interesting glimpse at how she finds her roles:
EW: Who helps you read scripts and make decisions? Brad? Your longtime manager, Geyer Kosinski?
Angelina: I’m terrible at reading scripts. I love to read and I hate reading scripts. Brad reads a lot because he’s also producing. We’re always joking about the fact that I just hate it. I have no patience. I can’t watch movies either. What usually will happen is I’ll talk to Geyer about what stage I’m at in my life and what type of a woman or story I’m looking to tell. Like with Wanted, I call and say, ”I really feel like I have to do something that’s physical right now.” Right now I don’t want to work at all. I want to stay home, so the few things we’ve talked about are the amazing, once-in-your-lifetime things, like Atlas Shrugged. But other than that, I’m not looking.
(She also talks about the possibility of doing Atlas Shrugged some day.)
Possibly one of my favorite parts of the interview:
EW: In many ways you’re a very polarizing figure. People either worship you or they can’t stand you. Have you thought about why that is?
Angelina: I’d like to think it’s because I’m not neither here nor there in my life. I think anybody that makes a decision about where they stand is going to cause strong opinions about them. But I think that’s what you should be hoping for in life, so I take that as a very good sign. That some people support me and some people really don’t like me tells me that I’m making decisions and I’m standing strong for something I believe in. I’m making choices in life. And that’s the right thing to do.
Now hurry on over and read the full Angelina Jolie/Entertainment Weekly interview!
Then come on back and let’s discuss the finer points!
Wanted Image used with permission: Splash News Online
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32 opinions for Angelina Jolie’s fantastic EW interview
Neela
Jun 11, 2008 at 9:07 pm
it’d be great if she and brad can do atlas shrugged together. brad would be great as john galt! but i see where angie’s coming from. it should be about the film and the story and the audience, and not be about the actors.
Susan
Jun 11, 2008 at 10:26 pm
What a great interview - as usual with Angie. And now we know what that tattoo is on Brad’s back. Hard to believe the tabloids about their relationship troubles when he memorialises her doodles!
Rach
Jun 11, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I’m in awe with this woman. I like the fact that she lives her life right and has a dark little naughty side. I can relate to that. Can’t we all? She is so hot and clever and mysterious. What i wouldn’t give to have a conversation with her!
charlie
Jun 11, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Great interview! I liked the old fashioned Q & A type interview. VF interviewer can learn a thing or two from Dave Karger.
Matilda
Jun 12, 2008 at 1:03 am
It’s such a treat having all these interviews. She seems to have a way of expressing herself that’s interesting and all her own; you understand her reasoning and the place she’s coming from without even being pontificated to. I love that. The more you read, and the more you see of her, the deeper you realize the well goes; she so rarely repeats herself, unless the question is identical.
It’s so nice when compared with all the usual PR fluff that comes out of most interviews - I’m sure a lot of those celebrities are nice people, but what comes out of their mouths isn’t often very interesting or original. This was a good interview, definitely one of the better ones - there were some really fun topics in there. I was really glad to her thoughts on the topic of guns, and see a picture of the necklace Maddox designed for her. It did surprise me that he is so into war and guns despite his mother’s role but I guess maybe as his knowledge broadens, his views will change. Little boys just can’t resist sometimes and it’s good that his parents are supporting his interest and curiosity.
Armine Abrahamyan
Jun 12, 2008 at 1:44 am
I love this actress. I just think she is a gifted personality.
All of her interviews are threads of interesting ideas and high values!
Bravo!
-armine
Bee
Jun 12, 2008 at 1:48 am
Overall an interessting interview. BUT this one is strange, dont know what to think about it. Didnt she earlier said that she does not want to have gun like toys in the house and a gun drawing for mothers day?? It think its cute to make a neclace out a kids drawing but not if it is a gun.
‘Mad, our 6-year-old, draws lots of war scenarios,” she explains. ”He’s all into war and guns. So for Mother’s Day he drew a machine gun, and Brad had it made into a necklace, which is really sweet. It’s really cute. I think it’s really good!”
D
Jun 12, 2008 at 2:57 am
awesome interview! Thanks Sherry for all the hard work.
i like this one:
“In many ways you’re a very polarizing figure. People either worship you or they can’t stand you. Have you thought about why that is?
I’d like to think it’s because I’m not neither here nor there in my life. I think anybody that makes a decision about where they stand is going to cause strong opinions about them. But I think that’s what you should be hoping for in life, so I take that as a very good sign. That some people support me and some people really don’t like me tells me that I’m making decisions and I’m standing strong for something I believe in. I’m making choices in life. And that’s the right thing to do.”
and that is exactly why i am in love with jolie, for being who she really is. that is why i will always love her no matter how fat or skinny or wrinkled or …..
D
Jun 12, 2008 at 3:04 am
this is soooo sweeet :)
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What would you say are the best and worst things about being pregnant?
ANGELINA JOLIE: It’s all just so nice. You just really can’t complain about anything as long as you know the babies are looking healthy. The only thing that’s hard for me now is with twins and having four kids, there’s a lot of the doctor saying ”Stop picking them up as much.” But we’ve worked out a system where Brad just lifts them to me every time they want to come up. I just don’t bend down. I’ll scream, ”Honey!” and he’ll come running and lift them up. Or they climb on chairs, so it’s not as big of a lift. So we’re trying to follow doctor’s orders, but I’m bending them a tiny bit.
D
Jun 12, 2008 at 3:12 am
wow! I so want to see Brad’s new tatoo now, angie drew it on his back!!! the whole thing or just part of it… any fotos?? :)
xx
Phoebe
Jun 12, 2008 at 4:44 am
LOL the part with picking up the kids is really sweet!!!!so cute i can really picture it!!!
Brad did not have that tatto when they were at the beach in France yet, did he?must be a very new one.
this interview is so much better than the one in VF!
thanks Sherry!
Ela
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:00 am
Ahhhh… welcome to the new and fresh Hollywood. Brad and Angelina are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise *full of one’s self” industry. They are standard bearers for using their respective celebrity to do good and make the world a better place. I respect them.
angela
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:07 am
wow. one of the most nicest interview so far this year. i like the “honey!” part.
thanks sherry. :)
dhc
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:32 am
She is so unique. You could never guess what she is going to say. What I like is that she does not apologize for herself. Her opinions are not for sale. She is who she is: totally intriguing. I related to her support for her son Maddox and all things guns and war. She is impressed with this interest. There was a time that my son loved those little green army guys. Guns/violence make me very uneasy, but he loved them so much and enjoyed them so much that I had to support it for him. He is not an aggressive kid and I am quite sure Maddox is not either. It’s an intellectual pursuit, an interest, and a good mother supports her kids interests.
dhc
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:47 am
D-
I am sure there are other sites, but check out Just Jared for May 12 under the Brad Pitt archives to see the tatoo that Angelina “doodled” on his back.
Mary Ann
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:56 am
Many many years ago when I was young we always played in the woods and field near our house with guns. We played war. No one ever gave it two thoughts. My own children played with guns. Angie and Brad are teaching their children right from wrong. I read the interview yesterday and commented that I really know and understand Angelina better now than ever. She is someone we should all admire. In her younger years she did wild and crazy things, but now she looks back and says: I have turned out pretty dam_ good. This is the most powerful couple in the movie industry right now and I believe will stay that way for a long time.
susie
Jun 12, 2008 at 7:14 am
Amazing interview, very revealing and refreshing, best so far!! I love the “honey” part and the “sleepover/slumber party” where they all share the bed. When my only son was small and up to about Madd’s age when he got too heavy, we had this little ritual that on the count of three, he’d jump and I’d lift him at the same time so I could carry him around for a bit. So I totally relate to Angie carrying her toddlers. Once again I’m falling hard in love with the JPs. Obviously they communicate and work things out really well to achieve balance for everyone. What an amazing family!
ligaya
Jun 12, 2008 at 7:40 am
Ditto to everyone’s comments.
Speaking of Power Couples, Forbes just came out with this year’s “The Celebrity 100: The World’s Most Powerful Celebrities.”
http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/06/11/most-powerful-celebrities-lists-celebrities08-cx_mn_0611c_land.html.
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Tiger Woods
3. Angelina Jolie (10. Brad Pitt )
ligaya
Jun 12, 2008 at 7:58 am
I don’t care for some of Forbes’ descriptions, but here they are:
#3 Angelina Jolie
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/53/celebrities08_Angelina-Jolie_T5SH.html
Power Rank 3
Pay $14 mil
Category: Actresses
PAY RANK 73
WEB RANK 1
PRESS RANK 9
TV/RADIO RANK 15
Despite the paparazzi, pregnancy and peace activism, the owner of the world’s poutiest lips still managed to play a lusty animated witch and the wife of a slain Wall Street Journal reporter in the same year. Photos of her twins should fetch the highest price ever for baby snaps. She’ll probably give the money to charity.
#10 Brad Pitt
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/53/celebrities08_Brad-Pitt_G1NH.html
Power Rank 10
Pay $20 mil
Category: Actors
PAY RANK 66
WEB RANK 4
PRESS RANK 8
TV/RADIO RANK 7
Rendered permanently cool with his roles in Fight Club, Seven and Ocean’s Eleven, Pitt remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Up next: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Spends down time flying around the world working for charities—and adopting babies—with his girlfriend, actress Angelina Jolie.
D
Jun 12, 2008 at 9:19 am
btw i like this interview so much better. it answers so many misunderstood questions.
whereas the VF one was like, nothing new :(
but the fotos are nicer in VF.
kim
Jun 12, 2008 at 11:16 am
Love this interview, I can relate to her so much our lives have followed similar paths. I also never regret any thing, life is to short for regrets. As for Mad’s interest in War and all things War, I believe all little boy’s and some girl’s go through this, I know mine did but it only lasted 6 months. With all the places Mad has been, things he has seen and the political discussions that I am assuming go on in the house, I can see why he would be curious. Better to give a child a straight up answer about guns, war and what goes on in the world, then hide them under a protective blanket. It gives you and the child an appreciation of what you have and how you can help others.
carmen
Jun 12, 2008 at 11:48 am
You know Mrs. Jolie just continues to amaze me. I’ve always been a fan of hers not only because she is so talent but because of her persona. I don’t know her, but through these interviews I feel like somehow I do. At times I think I may even envy her because of the way that she is able to express herself. And I know that has a lot to do with her mom helping and teaching her to do so as child. The entire interview was very lovely but she said something that just really stood out to me: “I don’t believe in regrets. It’s a dangerous habit to get into — it makes you pause in your life if you start thinking back and questioning yourself.”
Thank you pittwatch for this, I’m lucky to have found this site. Me being 19 years old and reading things about Mrs. Jolie inspires me. Because there are some things that she’s has gone through in her life that im going through in mines today. She really helps me a lot.
Thanks sherry, I think you do a good job.
ange
Jun 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm
great interview. i’m in LOVE with this woman.
ligaya
Jun 12, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Carmen, that quote stood out for me too as something to aspire to.
This is the best interview of Angelina I’ve ever read (Vanity Fair was still tabloidish). EW is really good at staying professional – it’s not as detailed as Variety & Hollywood Reporter, and it’s not as stuffy either. They did an excellent job of choosing their Q, including hard ones – wide-ranging from Angelina as an actress & her movies to her family life, her past & present, incongruities & contradictions.
It’s so cute that Maddox is watching out for his mommy by asking if he’s too heavy for her. And it’s so wonderful of Angelina & Brad to be aware of keeping their family a close unit by making each new family member’s entry a fun group thing.
ligaya
Jun 12, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I loved Angelina in her dark phase – to me, dark isn’t the same as bad.
I saw Angelina at San Diego’s Comic-Con in 2002 when she was promoting the 2nd Lara Croft movie. (She mentioned Maddox was with her Mom in their hotel room.) When Q&A came, I was expecting all fanboys, - instead there were long lines of young women, most of whom thanked her for talking about being goth, ‘dark,’ and cutting – so they didn’t feel alone and could believe they’d make it through. In my mental health training, I learned that cutting was a way people distracted themselves from their deep inner pain; and that when cut, a chemical in the brain was released to relieve the physical pain.
Lucy
Jun 13, 2008 at 12:07 am
Actually, I like both interviews. In VF, she mentioned her status with Jon Voight which is very positive and she said she wasn’t looking for an aid worker or activist amd that an actor was the last on her list until she met Brad. The EW interview gave us a glimpse of their daily life, sketching tattoos, calling Brad Honey. She still will not reveal the identity of the twins (boy, girl, girls, boys) which I’m sure will be their big suprise to their fans when they come. I just love Angie’s honesty and openness.
Lucy
Jun 13, 2008 at 12:08 am
Correction, she was looking not wasn’t.
BlessBrangelina
Jun 13, 2008 at 2:12 am
Best interview yet this year.
isacutie
Jun 13, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I love this article…Angie comes off as a very honest person. I’m glad she doesn’t feel the need to paint herself a saint or something like that. She’s such an articulate person and I love the way she responded to question on what she thinks about her being a “polarizing” person. Oh well, this article is very enlightening and I love and admire her even more. There’s probably going to be some people who’ll pick on some of the things she said, but then again, Angie doesn’t mind…I don’t mind.
vanz
Jun 14, 2008 at 7:21 am
Great interview!!!! and very revealing!
I look forward to Angie’s taking “Atlas Shrugged”.
I have read the book and it is a very serious book…. …..
Happy Father’s Day, Brad Pitt!
Jun 15, 2008 at 1:00 am
[…] can’t help but wonder what Maddox did for Brad for Father’s Day. We know from the EW interview that he drew a machine gun for Angelina Jolie and Brad had it made into a little necklace for her, […]
Lawrence B
Jun 15, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I swear this. Look at the front cover from her EW shoot. She is the virtual twin of Haylie Duff, sister of Hilary Duff!! Angie is such a chameleon, but why to look like Haylie? Inside humor?
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