Angelina Jolie reveals the challenges of hiding pain from her children while working on her new film “Maria.” Explore her emotional journey, her relationship with her children, and how she balances motherhood and her acting career.
Angelina Jolie Shares Her Emotional Struggles on the Set of ‘Maria’
Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, recently opened up about the challenges of being a mother while managing a demanding acting career. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter before the release of her highly anticipated biopic, Maria, Jolie candidly discussed how she tries to shield her children from the pain and sadness she often carries, especially during emotionally intense moments on set.
1. The Balancing Act: Motherhood and Acting
Jolie, who has been a mother for 23 years, reflected on the profound impact her children have on her life. “The most beautiful thing about being a parent is that you are not the center of your life,” she explained. For Jolie, motherhood means always putting her children first, even amidst the demands of a Hollywood career.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parenting Years | 23 years |
| Children’s Role | Central to her life, often present on set |
| Parenting Philosophy | Prioritizing her children over career |
2. The Emotional Weight of ‘Maria’
Jolie’s latest film, Maria, where she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, required her to delve deep into some of the most challenging emotions. Jolie’s sons, Maddox and Pax, worked as assistants on the set, making them witnesses to some of the most intense moments of their mother’s performance.
- Jolie’s Revelation:
“It really meant a lot that my boys were with me on Maria. When I would have really heavy times, they would come over and just give me a hug or a cup of tea,” Jolie shared. She acknowledged that this was the first time her children had seen her express such profound sadness, something she usually keeps private.
| Film | Role | Children Involved | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria | Maria Callas | Maddox and Pax | Jolie’s first time crying in front of her sons |
| Notable Moment | Jolie’s intense scenes | Sons providing support | Her sons’ presence provided emotional support |
3. Navigating Personal Pain in Public Life
Jolie also touched on the difficulty of hiding her pain from her children. “You really try to hide from your children how much pain and sadness you carry,” she admitted, adding that expressing such emotions openly in front of them was a new experience for both her and her children.
- Quote:
“That’s usually for the shower,” Jolie said, referring to her usual practice of keeping her pain private. This vulnerability offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles Jolie faces, even as she continues to be a pillar of strength for her family.
| Emotion | Jolie’s Experience | Children’s Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Pain and Sadness | Usually hidden from children | Witnessed for the first time on the set of Maria |
| Privacy | Expresses deep emotions privately | Open expression was a new experience |
4. A New Chapter: Embracing Independence
As her children grow older, Jolie is embracing a new phase in her life. After taking a significant break from acting to focus on her family, she is now finding more freedom as her children become more independent.
- Jolie’s Reflection:
“They’re a bit older, getting more independent. I’m less needed and so able to go away for different periods of time,” Jolie remarked. This shift has allowed her to return to acting with renewed vigor, supported by her children, who are now old enough to join her on set.
| Life Phase | Jolie’s Focus | Children’s Growth |
|---|---|---|
| New Independence | Returning to acting with more freedom | Children becoming more self-sufficient |
| Family Dynamics | Balancing work and motherhood | Children joining her on set, providing support |
5. The Ongoing Journey: Personal and Professional Growth
While Jolie did not directly address her ongoing and highly publicized divorce from Brad Pitt, she alluded to the challenges she continues to face in her personal life. During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Jolie drew parallels between herself and Maria Callas, the character she portrays in Maria.
- Jolie’s Insight:
“I related to the part of her that is extremely soft and didn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was and as emotionally open as she truly was,” Jolie said, hinting at her own struggles with vulnerability in the public eye.
| Public Life | Jolie’s Struggles | Character Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Media Scrutiny | Ongoing challenges, divorce from Brad Pitt | Relates to Maria Callas’ emotional vulnerability |
| Professional Role | Portraying Maria Callas | Reflects her own personal experiences |
Conclusion: A Resilient Mother and Artist
Angelina Jolie’s journey as both a mother and an actress continues to evolve. Her experiences on the set of Maria have highlighted the delicate balance she maintains between her personal pain and professional responsibilities. As her children grow and her career enters a new chapter, Jolie’s resilience and dedication to both her family and her craft remain an inspiration to many.
With Maria set to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, Jolie’s ability to channel her emotions into her work while being a devoted mother underscores her unique position in Hollywood. This new phase in her life promises more powerful performances and continued growth, both as an artist and as a mother.
