Angelina Jolie Opens Up About the Struggles of Parenting and Acting in New Biopic

In her candid discussion, Jolie reflects on how her children witnessed her vulnerability on set, marking a unique chapter in their relationship as they all learn to embrace honesty about emotions.

Angelina Jolie is stepping back into the limelight with her latest film, "Maria," where she takes on the challenging role of the iconic opera singer, Maria Callas. Known for her privacy, Jolie opened up in a recent BBC News interview about the emotional toll the process had on her, especially as her oldest sons, Maddox and Pax, served as production assistants during filming.

"My character embodies a lot of pain, which I usually try to shield from my kids," Jolie admitted. By observing her on set, they saw her struggles more intimately, a revelation she believes has allowed for deeper conversations about emotions within their family. "They were there to witness some of that, but then we would hug or they would bring me cups of tea," she recalled.

Directed by Pablo Larraín and based on a screenplay by Steven Knight, "Maria" delves into the later years of Callas's life, showcasing her struggles in a fresh narrative. With Jolie’s performance potentially leading to an Oscar nomination, critics have already begun to weigh in on her skills, describing her portrayal as "spellbinding."

Training rigorously for her role, Jolie embarked on an intense seven-month journey to master opera singing. "It was very physically demanding," she said. "The breathwork and body control required are unlike anything I've done before." Even though she expressed initial shyness about singing, she embraced this artistic endeavor wholeheartedly.

Both Maddox and Pax have had prior experiences working with their mother and were described as "good professionals" by Larraín. "Pax even recorded a lot of my singing practice which he humorously labeled as my 'early horrible days,'" Jolie shared, showing gratitude for their support.

"Maria" is part of Larraín's trilogy focusing on women who shaped history, following his films about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. As the film is set to release in UK cinemas on January 10, critics have delivered mixed reviews, though they have consistently highlighted Jolie's gripping performance.

Ultimately, Jolie reflects on the value of her children witnessing her vulnerability during this project. "It's essential for them to see that sometimes things don’t come easily and that persistence is key,” she commented, underlining the importance of authenticity in her parenting and professional life alike.