As a humanitarian and actor, Angelina Jolie, 40, is remarkable. For several years now, Angelina has used her celebrity status to highlight important issues that affect people across the globe.
As a humanitarian and actor, Angelina Jolie, 40, is remarkable. For several years now, Angelina has used her celebrity status to highlight important issues that affect people across the globe.
From sexual violence in war zones to the refugee crisis in Syria, Angelina chooses to speak on issues that many would simply abstain from. And with her growing interest in other aspects of filmmaking – such as writing and direction – the actor in Angelina, sorely missed by fans, is rarely seen.
Perhaps this is one reason why people will be curious to watch, By the Sea. Not only did Angelina write and direct this upcoming feature film, but she also stars in the film, opposite real-life partner, Brad Pitt.
But if you think this film is anything like their playful, underrated and highly entertaining first film (Mr and Mrs. Smith, 2005), think again. If the film’s all-new trailer is anything to go by, rest assured, this is going to be a difficult film to watch.
Set in France during the ’70s, By the Sea trailer is deeply melancholic and to be honest, a bit ambiguous at this point. It feels like a couple, jaded from life and each other, are struggling to find a common space.
Talking about her film, the actor told EW: “I wanted to suggest and guide and give hints to the audience but not bore them or reveal all before the film itself. I like trailers that don’t explain the whole film; that tell you exactly what to expect.”
As an adult drama, it brings to mind the Sam Mendes feature, Revolutionary Road, and is perfectly in sync with the kind of hard-hitting dramas Angelina’s brand of direction is becoming known for.
“It isn’t my intention to hide anything from the audience, but the film is a complicated adult drama where things are often not what they seem. The voyeurism for example, most people will assume only that it is titillating. But it has deeper resonance to the story. I like films that leave questions and cause discussion,” said Angelina describing the By the Sea trailer.
Brad and Angelina, who are appearing together in a film after almost a decade, have also given a rare, joint TV interview to Tom Brokaw in which they wax eloquent about each other.
In excerpts of the interview, which have found a space online, Angelina has spoken about Brad’s support during her surgeries done to prevent cancer. “I knew through the surgeries that he was on my side and that this wasn’t something where I was gonna feel less of a woman, because my husband wasn’t gonna let that happen,” the actor told Tom in the interview. The interview should put to rest the many rumours that surround the Pitt-Jolie clan, and in particular, their marriage, and as far as this film is concerned, it remains to be seen if critics and audiences can be charmed by this particular, cinematic venture.
