From models to superheroes: how Angelina Jolie's image has changed in cinema

On June 4, Angelina Jolie turned 50. Let's remember how the actress has changed.

During this time, she has traveled such a bright and contradictory path in cinema that looking back is not only interesting but also somewhat nostalgic.

This is because each of us has some memories associated with her characters: Jolie's roles were ubiquitous — in posters, in our minds, and, of course, in the emotions they evoked.

How It All Began

In the 90s, she appeared on screen as a typical Hollywood beauty: long hair, striking looks, and characters with personality, yet always in the background of men.
Actress Angelina Jolie with black horns and a wide-brimmed hat in glasses
Angelina Jolie in 'Maleficent' and 'Maria'
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Movies like "Hackers" (1995) or "Foxfire" (1996) only emphasized: yes, Jolie is an actress worth watching, but for now, she was more of a visual element. However, there was a charm in that too.

Turning Point — "Girl, Interrupted" (1999)

This is where the turning point occurs. Jolie stops being merely striking and becomes noticeable. Her portrayal of Lisa is one of those characters you won't forget, even if the film itself fades from memory.

It's no surprise she won an Oscar for this role. Even then, it was clear: playing complex, dark, and ambiguous characters is her domain.

The Early 2000s — A Time of New Masks

Then came the era of action heroes. "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001) turned Jolie into a pop culture icon. Her character was combative, almost comic-like, yet still had subtle emotional nuances without which she would have remained merely plastic.
Trailer for 'Girl, Interrupted,' the film that won Jolie an Oscar
Next came "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (2005), where irony was added to strength, and "Wanted" (2008). Yet each time, she didn't dissolve in genres but seemed to gather another facet of herself from them.

A Pure Drama

Over the years, Jolie has become a director and storyteller, yet she continues acting — now rarely, but with great impact.

"Maleficent" (2014) is another character that defies norms: essentially, she plays a villain, but viewers see one thing in her — pain and a desire to be heard. And that's about her.

Angelina Jolie is perhaps one of the few actresses who didn't shy away from labels but embraced, tried on, and transformed them. She was a rebel, a muse, an Amazon, and a shadow — and always remained true to herself. Now she's 50, and knowing Jolie, the most interesting roles are yet to come. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com shared about movies featuring Tom Cruise that make you wonder: is he even normal?