This Is Why Angelina Jolie Doesn’t Want Her Own biopic

December 5, 2024: Angelina Jolie has firmly rejected the idea of having a biographical film made about her, calling the question “the most insane question” in a recent interview. The celebrated actress and director, who stars as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biographical film Maria, made it clear that she has no interest in being the subject of a movie about her life.

In her conversation, Jolie elaborated on her reluctance, explaining that as a public figure herself, she understands all too well how one’s life can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. She expressed concern about the possibility of filmmakers misrepresenting her personal experiences. “When you’re a public person and you’re playing her, you’re conscious of how you would hate for somebody to interpret your life or think they understand your life,” Jolie said. “Let’s hope there isn’t one about my life.”

Despite a career filled with remarkable accomplishments—over 40 films, an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted, and critical praise for her directorial work—Jolie has no desire for her personal life to be the subject of cinematic scrutiny. At 49, her journey has been a blend of professional success, public relationships, and private struggles. From her breakout roles in Tomb Raider and Maleficent to her advocacy work and role as a mother, Jolie’s life has been lived in the spotlight. Yet, she prefers that focus remain on her work rather than her personal narrative.

Jolie’s life has been subject to intense public attention, particularly her relationships. She has been married three times—first to Jonny Lee Miller, then to Billy Bob Thornton, and later to Brad Pitt. Her relationship with Pitt, in particular, became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about and scrutinized, especially after they starred together in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The couple married in 2014 but separated in 2016, leading to a lengthy and highly publicized divorce process, which included a legal battle over their shared French vineyard, Chateau Miraval.

Despite the public nature of her romantic entanglements, Jolie has been fiercely protective of her six children, keeping them out of the media spotlight. However, in recent years, her children have become more involved in her work. Her youngest daughter, Vivienne, served as her assistant during the production of The Outsiders Broadway musical, while her sons Maddox and Pax have worked as production assistants on Maria.

Jolie’s role as Maria Callas, one of the most legendary opera singers of the 20th century, presents a stark contrast to Jolie’s own life. Callas, known for her tragic loneliness and singular dedication to her art, lived a life of intense devotion to her career. In contrast, Jolie has often stated that her family is her top priority.

“I don’t feel that because I have family,” Jolie said of Callas’ all-consuming commitment to her work. “Maria didn’t have a family, so her work was everything. My work is not everything. Being a parent is everything.”

This distinction between Callas’ life and her own is crucial for Jolie in shaping how she approaches her roles. While Callas gave up much of her personal life in favor of her art, Jolie has made it clear that her role as a parent and her family are at the heart of her existence.

Despite her decision not to have a biopic made about her, Jolie’s career continues to thrive. She’s already a multifaceted figure in the industry, excelling as both an actress and a director. In addition to her iconic film roles, she has also directed critically acclaimed works such as Unbroken and By the Sea. Her latest film, Maria, will see her embody the powerful and tragic story of the opera singer, but even in this role, Jolie remains focused on representing someone else’s life, not her own.

In conclusion, while Jolie has led a life full of remarkable accomplishments and challenges, she has no desire to have her personal story turned into a film. She sees herself as a private person with a family-focused life, and her work—both as an actress and humanitarian—is what she wants the world to focus on. Fans and filmmakers alike will have to wait for the next chapter of her career, but it will not be a biopic.