Angelina Jolie’s ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ trailer: interesting?

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I’ve said this several times now, but I’m very, very concerned about Angelina Jolie’s turn as writer/director for In the Land of Blood and Honey. I’m not worried about the manufactured “controversy” where one rape-victim-advocacy group was going ballistic about the film without even reading the script. Jolie has said the film is not about “rape” but about two lovers thrown on opposite sides of war, and I believe her. No, I’m simply worried that the film is going to suck. That Angelina’s script is going to be, at best, prosaic, and at worst, terrible. I’m worried that Angelina is going to prove to be an unfocused director – especially considering she shot the film TWICE: once in English and once it Serbo-Croatian. The fact that she couldn’t even make up her mind as to which language to shoot the film? It’s worrying.

So the trailer for In the Land of Blood and Honey is out. The tagline is terrible: “Love can change what we want… war can change who we are…” Ugh. That being said, I’m less worried now that I’ve seen the trailer. The lead actress, Zana Marjanovic, seems to be giving a stellar, emotional performance. And there’s lots of war-crimes action and the love scenes and interrogation scenes seem to be shot in an interesting way.

The film comes out on December 23, just in time for awards season. I’m sure it will be a non-starter, though, considering that Sherlock Holmes: The Game of Shadows and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo are also coming out around then too. Don’t expect this to make much money, that’s what I’m saying.

Jolie has said about the film, “The film is specific to the Bosnian War, but it’s also universal. I wanted to tell a story of how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living in side a war. The former Yugoslavia has a rich history of dramatic arts. The cast was extraordinary. I was privileged and honored to work with them and I am very excited for everyone to see their immense talent.” I will give her credit for that – she hired a lot of local actors and she definitely stimulated the Budapest economy (because she barely got to shoot anything in Bosnia).

UPDATE: YouTube is taking some of the trailers down, so I just replaced it.

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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217 Responses to “Angelina Jolie’s ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ trailer: interesting?”

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  1. truthSF says:

    LOL@ Kaiser:

    How did I know that as soon as I posted to alert you about Jolie’s movie, you would have it already posted, damn you’re quick. 🙂

    Now about the trailer, to be fair to Miss Jolie, we shouldn’t be expecting the best of the best, considering this is her first directorial work. But I must say, it does look promising, almost similar to her and Clive’s “Beyond Borders” movie.

  2. Dibba says:

    Sounds like a nice holiday film.

  3. P.J. says:

    Not sure if Christmas is the right time to debut such a somber, serious film. I think people want to see comedy, feel-good films at holiday time.

  4. Dorothy#1 says:

    I think it looks good. I will probably wait to rent it though, it seems super depressing!

  5. mln76 says:

    I think it looks good and you know what why shouldn’t she direct a movie? We need women directors and I bet when Matt Damon directs (there is buzz out there that he’s planning to) there won’t be any attacks on him whatever the quality but unless this wins Best Picture people will call this a dud. As long as this is accurate I say good job Angie. *end of my Brangeloonie rant*

  6. Franny says:

    she’s so pretty. love that picture of her cuddling up to brad.

  7. Jo says:

    Well, #2, at least you will be able to see the feel-good, upbeat Girl with the Dragon Tattoo over the holiday season.

  8. i.want.shoes says:

    Agreed, The movie seems a little “dark” for a holiday release but I think it looks good. I’ll go watch it.

  9. SEF says:

    Somber but it doesn’t look bad at all. Kudos for her for trying this, as opposed to some rom-com or something.

  10. lisa says:

    Where did you get the idea that she could not make up her mind on what language to shoot it in. That was done on purpose. Not because she was on the fence. In affect she made two movies at the same time. And will release both versions.. that way different countries will have the option to select the language they want. Seriously..

    I think the trailer looks well done and not every wants to see over the top silliness. Considering this is her first full length movie I love that she challenged herself and went for fluff.

    I appreciate that a lot, and won’t be worried until there is something to be worried about :/

  11. NM9005 says:

    I think there will be a lot of contrived scenes attributed to the musical scores and romance at the backdrop of a war, like “cry here…now!”. Like Precious, too much forced scenes to make you feel bad about the situation.
    It takes a gifted director to let scenes like that shine on itself, make the people feel the pain because of what’s going on centrally and what the characters are feeling. I could be wrong of course, maybe I’ll see the film when it’s out on DVD but it’s not a film that attracts me to spend too much money on in cinema. If it’s the bad script, let’s hope the actors carry it good! And at least she nows what’s going on in wars.

  12. Cheyenne says:

    I’m not crazy about the title or the tag line and I think she’s taking an enormous risk releasing the movie around Christmas. A blockbuster it sure won’t be. That said, I respect her for making the film on a subject she’s passionate about and saying what she felt needed to be said. The trailer looks pretty good.

  13. RocketMerry says:

    Speaking of Angelina Jolie, anybody seen the democratic death of Gheddafi? “Arab Spring”, indeed.
    Let’s all prepare for the extremists’ regime, that’s going to be fun.

  14. Shelly says:

    I think it looks good. I’ll go see it.

  15. Embee says:

    Wow. I am impressed. I don’t know anything about directing or cinematography (at all) but I think the concept of “love changes what you want; war changes who you are” seems to be the message Jolie wants to share from her work with refugees. That’s a pretty powerful expression of her passion. Will definitely go see this.

  16. truthSF says:


    This love story begins in 1992 in a small city in the eastern part of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Lejla and Danijel are a young couple in love, who get separated at the beginning of war activities. Danijel’s father is a stern high ranking officer of the Yugoslav Peoples Army and appoints his son to the post of commander of a POW camp. Danijel’s moral principles don’t allow him to accept this position, but he unwillingly yields under his fathers pressure.
    .
    By the stroke of destiny he meets Lejla again, but this time he is the camp commander and she is a prisoner there. Their relationship reaches a completely new dimension. Danijel is in an unenviable situation and tries to find the best solution, acceptable for all. The question is whether such a solution even exists.

    (Awards Daily)

  17. Kimbob says:

    Ok, it kinda bothers me how many times the word “worry” or variations of such are in this article. I def know you are a fan of Angelina, & that’s great, but I’m kinda getting a vibe of hero worship, and/or a great deal of personal investment. I know I’ll get hammered for this comment, but it just struck me as odd.

    Anyway, Angelina is probably the most gorgeous woman in the world, bar none…that’s an obvious fact! I watched the trailer & the film actually looks like something I’d like to see. The storyline is riveting.

    That being said, it is quite impressive that Angelina is not only drop-dead gorgeous, but she is a talented actress, philanthropist, & now it seems we might be able to add to that list director!

  18. Sakyiwaa says:

    Whatever she does, she’ll be raked over coals. Its a given.
    I applaud her effort always for not sticking to the status quo and defying the odds.

  19. tracking says:

    The cinematography and acting look strong, hard to tell much about the script from the trailer. It’s a very ambitious first effort. She deserves a lot of credit for that. Given the subject matter, the studio probably isn’t looking for strong box office but awards consideration in terms of release date.

  20. Julia says:

    It has definitely the touch of a woman’s feelings in it. The way the trailer is depicted shows the sensivity of the director as a woman.

    I think it looks good for a first attempt and i am proud as a Jolie fan for Angelina expanding her skills and taking risks in a very controversial and difficult project.

    I am always impressed by her precocioussness and maturity in the way she embraces her professional and personal life. She constantly evolves.

    But I am also VERY proud as a woman. We need more women directors to bring their feminine touch in that machistic industry to bring better projects for us ! Just like for Catherine Bigalow. Women need to bring in in that table !

    I will see that movie with some handkerchieves but i will definitely see it and back my girl..

    Go Angelina !

  21. Bermuda Blues says:

    Good for Angelina. Other women “talk” about being powerful women in Hollywood, Angelina is an action girl – she goes right ahead and does what she wants. I think this is a good first try. It looks like an interesting film. Anything this dark will always have a more limited audience, but I’ll probably see it.

  22. Green_Eyes says:

    Just watched w/ MY HUBSTER.. We both liked it and agreed we want to see it. Told him about the Boys Club in ref to Directing. He and I agreed.. Hope if the movie looks as promising as the trailerthat she won’t be shut out..

    All that taent, helping the planet and those in need, being a good mom, and gorgeous… I would say it’s great to be Angelina, and am glad her young awkward yrs had her doing the soul searching needed for her to realize her full potential..that is what makes a great role model. Someone who learns from their painful experiences… should send Lindsay to Angelina for a month..bet she could get to her…

  23. Praise St. Angie! says:

    only comment I have for this post is that I LOVE that Pitt is wearing his little “granny” reading glasses. (and that he’s seemingly not the least bit embarrassed that he needs them.)

    it’s nice to know that even MOVIE STARS feel the effects of age!

  24. Sakyiwaa says:

    Nice synopsis, truthSF!
    I saw Stick It and Whip it (Drew Barrymore)… Lol!

  25. Laura says:

    It looks really interesting (minus the terrible tag line), the acting looks good so that is promising. Is it such a huge risk to release it around the holidays? I mean up against those other movies sure it is, but I feel like this time of year (fall/early winter) all the more serious movies come out anyway. Clearly not a blockbuster though.

  26. smh says:

    W/E even if it does “suck” (and it really cannot suck as much as Madonna’s movie lol) I’ll watch it because it’s an interesting project from one of the few celebs I am a fan of. And god I can’t possibly express how relieved I am that this isn’t a story about a woman falling for her rapist. Who made that shit up? Couldn’t really believe that Angelina would write stupid shit like that. Anyway even if it isn’t Citizen Kane give her a break it’s her first time doing this and the story is definitely interesting and it’s so good of her to raise awareness on the evils of warfare.

  27. tapioca says:

    “she shot the film TWICE: once in English and once in Serbo-Croatian.”

    Given that she apparently wrote the script, does this mean she speaks fluent Serbo-Croat, or was it a Google Translate job, do we think?

    😉

  28. sassenach says:

    The acting looks fantastic. I will probably see it. I tend to like watching heavy dramas during the Fall and Winter.

  29. Guys says:

    Kaiser, why don’t you write about Angie’s plagiarism of this story?

  30. mln76 says:

    I am surprised that so many people don’t realize that most serious films looking for critical attention are released at the end of the year so they can make the deadline for awards. It’s not risky at all and would be troubling if it were released at another time.

  31. Original Chloe ) says:

    Kaiser, this tagline, especially the second part of it (“war can change who we are”) is not terrible at all, if you are familiar with the atrocities and the particular context of the Balkan war. I actually have a knot in my stomach whenever I think about it.

    The trailer looks good to me, and the story crushingly sad. I think by releasing it at Christmas Jolie is making it very clear that it is not a movie for audiences who expect a Christmas movie. (And it probably won’t appeal to people who don’t know or care where the Balkans are and what happened there.)

    I won’t praise it before seeing it but if it’s good it will get recognition, despite low box office; it’s a movie that needed to be made.

    Fingers crossed for Jolie.

    _________

    @27 tapioca: She *shot* the movie in two languages, it doesn’t say she *translated* the script. Being a translator myself I can assure you that the whole thing is doable.

  32. Eleonor says:

    To me it looks interesting.

  33. Green_Eyes says:

    Agree w/ MIN76.. Hubby (a Vietnam Vet) saw tag line and said out loud..yes wars really change a person. So OT does make total sense..especially to those who have been in them…

  34. Sassy says:

    What is meant by “former Yugoslavia”? Have they changed the name of the country? I visited many years ago and it is a beautiful place, and I am aware of what went on, but did not hear this term.

  35. Cheyenne says:

    Guys: Kaiser, why don’t you write about Angie’s plagiarism of this story?
    =============================================

    Plagiarized from what? Half the movies in Hollywood are plagiarized off something else.
    ________________________________________________________

    @Sassy: Yugoslavia is no more. It was split up into 7 countries: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Kosovo.

  36. Original Chloe ) says:

    edit: I also think that the shooting of the movie in two language versions was an attempt to show respect to people whose stories are being told, not a sign of indecisiveness.

    As for the plagiarism gossip, I’ll start to change my mind when I see someone actually going to court. There are hundreds of people, even in my little country, who keep saying they came up with Harry Potter first. At least try to prove it, and then we’ll talk.

    Unless by plagiarism you mean the idea of “a couple torn apart by war” – but then I guess we should start by suing Tolstoy, followed by anyone who ever wrote about WWII

  37. N.D. says:

    Looks good.

  38. mln76 says:

    This whole plagiarism issue is BS first off this is based on actual events. You can’t plagiarize a news story. No one has ownership of that.

  39. G says:

    Yugoslavia has been “former” for some time.

    A Christmas release date means the distributors have confidence in it and it has potential for awards.

  40. jazz jazz says:

    Youtube yanked the trailer down. It’s always nice to see famous, well known actresses step behind the camera and direct films. Female filmmakers are often ignored and underrated, especially for actress-directors.

  41. Nancy C. says:

    why does brad always feel the need to put his hand on his woman’s ass instead of back. really childish.

  42. Camille says:

    I have to wonder what people would be saying about the trailer/movie if they didn’t know who directed it.

    As for the trailer I think it does look promising. She had a good DOP by the looks of things too.

    I too don’t think it will make a ton of money- considering its genre usually doesn’t rake in the big $. No doubt the haters will have a field day with telling the fans how badly it does. 🙄

  43. aenflex says:

    I didn’t care for the trailer at all, very contrived as someone else mentioned. Also, this story has been done a million times, and if you are gonna attempt it yet again, ya better have a different angle. Doesn’t look like Jolie found her angle. The actors seem decent, though.

  44. Cheyenne says:

    Camille: No doubt the haters will have a field day with telling the fans how badly it does.
    ===============================================

    I’m waiting for the jenhens to compare this movie with a fluff piece like Just Go With It.

  45. Original Chloe ) says:

    @aenflex: I think her angle is the Balkan war.

  46. Milica says:

    I love the Jolie and I was born in Bosnia…but I still don’t want to see this film. The trailer was alright. It just looks really cheesy…maybe it’s because it’s basically my family’s story (mum’s Bosnijak, dad’s a Serb) and obviously the real experience will never compare to a film. I’m sure an American/European audience who has no personal experience with the war will find it worthwhile. The name Jolie will get some asses in the seats for sure. Cool it was filmed in English and Sprsko-hrvatski though. Pozdrav. 😉

  47. Julia says:

    Graham King is the producer of that movie.

  48. Runs with Scissors says:

    That trailer kicked ass. I’m pleasantly surprised.

    I think if this was any other Director people would just admit it looks like a very compelling story, well shot, well directed and well acted.

    Will definitely go to see this film, I don’t care who directed it.

  49. Sassy says:

    @Cheyenne, @G

    Thanks for update. I was in Yugoslavia in 1973 – time flies!

  50. Eve says:

    Well, it looks promising. Better than I expected, actually.

    P.S.: the main actor’s face looked familiar to me, then I remembered he played the vicious, psychopatic killer (the former general’s henchman) in The Hunting Party. He’s the one with “I was dead the day I was born” tattoo on his forehead.

  51. olivia says:

    I heard a review about some movie a while ago (can’t remember which) where the reviewer said that “a bad film is a bad film, but a good-looking shot will be a good-looking shot. It will just be a good-looking shot in a bad film” So this film can be poorly written, badly directed, but filled with good-looking shots.

    The Tag line:
    “Love changes what we want. War changes who we are”.
    What did she read that on a bumper sticker somewhere?
    The dialog sounds like nothing short of a bunch of cliches thrown together:
    “You’re not a prisoner, if you are where you want to be.”

  52. Lucky Charm says:

    “I’m worried that Angelina is going to prove to be an unfocused director – especially considering she shot the film TWICE: once in English and once it Serbo-Croatian. The fact that she couldn’t even make up her mind as to which language to shoot the film? It’s worrying.”
    ————————————–
    Oh, Kaiser, please. By shooting this in both languages, we don’t have to deal with subtitles distracting from the film and can focus on the actual content.

    Just the fact that she tried, and attempted to write and direct a full-length movie, is worthy of support. I am not worried at all, if it does well, great. If it doesn’t, she’ll know what to do differently next time. She doesn’t do anything halfway and pushes herself to excel. From the trailers and the response, it seems likes she’s done a very good job her first time out. Hopefully she’ll continue and do more, for many years to come.

  53. Milica**I had the same feeling with *Braveheart*.That was my familys battle,also.But,I take Hollywood for what its worth,and Braveheart is still one of my favorite films.While not entirely accurate,it still was close to home.(Of course,that part of my familys history was ages ago)

  54. Lucky Charm says:

    @ Olivia – well, you wanted to be here, do you feel that you are being held prisoner on this site?

    Obviously, if you are where you WANT to be, then you wouldn’t feel like a prisoner. She didn’t just throw a bunch of cliche’s together, she wrote a script for a 100+ minute movie.

  55. I think the tag line is awesome.How can war NOT change you as a person,or at least not affect you in some way? This will be a good movie.Eve**The *Lady* love of my life-Hugs from behind!!!

  56. Lucky Charm**#54 LOL!!Oh,that was good.

  57. Me says:

    The accents are horrible. They sound Russian.

    I’m Croat. Never heard of Serbo-Croatian.

    Its like calling me a Mexican because I live in North America.

  58. Mag says:

    @ Olivia

    Please shut up and go watch a Maniston in horrible bosses. lol I cannot believe an actor is claiming that her role as dark and deep because she wore a dark haired wig.

  59. TabbyCat says:

    Olivia, grow up. And lose the bitterness and jealousy.

  60. Ok,just watched the trailer.Yup,this movies probably gonna make me cry.

  61. JP Fan says:

    OMG how hilarious that you are so damned worried! LOL, so a two minute trailer everyone is praising worries you LMAO! We all know you don’t like Angie so stop the BS and wait till you SEE the movie and eat crow come awards season!
    Personally I can’t wait to see TLOBAH!

    Angie is an amazing woman…Her beauty is inside and out, that’s why everything she touches turns out great. All of the haters tried to bring her down for years and they all failed, instead the JP’s are stronger than before…karma is a bitch isn’t it? Stop your fake concern, we all know it is ‘jealousy’ The woman is amazing period!

  62. Cheyenne says:

    @Me: Are Serbian and Croatian completely different languages or are they variants on the same language like American English and British English or Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish? Would a Serbian speaker understand a Croatian speaker and vice-versa?

    This whole area interests me and I’m reminded of Mandarin and Cantonese, which are such completely different versions of Chinese that people who only know one version can’t understand the other, unless they write it down, because written Chinese is the same in all dialects.

  63. Jaxx says:

    Well done, I don’t care if the movie is good or not. I approve of anyone trying to stretch themselves by doing new things. She’ll probably get criticized for having a “vanity” project and I think that’s wrong. We should applaude creativity. Period. Even if the movie is horrible I imagine she learned many things. I just hope people give her a chance.

  64. Heine says:

    It looks overwrought and cheesy like all war-torn country love stories are. It could go one of two ways: it could over well and win oscars or other accolades or it could be considered a good effort, Jolie gets a metaphorical pat on the head for trying and everyone forgets about it.

    If I didn’t know Jolie wrote and directed this and just based on the trailer, it looks over dramatic, weepy and depressing. Not something I would personally see, but I can see how others would like this sort of thing.

  65. mea says:

    “The tagline is terrible: “Love can change what we want… war can change who we are…” Ugh.” it’s terrible because…??? Is it too prosaic for you or against your believes? When you make such statements in an ‘article’ you should come with something more than simple childish ‘ugh’.
    Considering this is a film about love during war,I don’t see anything wrong with that line … if they are only empty words or something really deep connected with the story, we’ll be able to decide after we watch the whole film.

    I love the trailer and can already see Angie’s strong, passionate and full of compassion soul in it. I’m sooo looking forward to see the whole film.

  66. Runs with Scissors says:

    @HorsePoor Hanna and Eve: Hi lovelies! *hugging you both from behind* doesn’t the ocean smell wonderful today? 🙂

    I love Braveheart too and was frankly shocked by how good it was. The dream sequences were my favorite part, stunning work. How cool that that was your family battle Hanna!

  67. casey says:

    wow,im just do proud of my idol ANGELINA JOLIE.you continue to amaze me.it looks like a great movie.even if it is not, i will still watch it in cinema many times to support this wonderful woman who has done a lot of good things in this world and whose jealous , bitter women love to hate and continue to bash and attack just because she has everything what they can’t have.you rock angie.thumbs up.

  68. Trek Girl says:

    @Mea: I agree with you. The tagline seems fitting to me. I’m glad it they didn’t go with a tagline that was just buzz words; this one really says something about the movie.
    I also agree that the “ugh” comment does seem a little odd. I would like to know what is so “ugh” about it.

    Angelina’s movie looks really good. I am pleasantly surprised by the actors and actresses that she chose. It looks like they will give strong performances.

    I know that many people dislike Angelina and the movies she’s been a part of, so I suspect that their feelings for her will not allow them to see the movie for what it is, and they’ll focus on their dislike for Angelina. I hope that if this movie is as good as it looks, or better, that she and the actors and actresses in it, get the credit that they deserve.

  69. Milica says:

    @Cheyenne
    Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian are basically the same language. They all sound the same, it’s just pronunciation is a lot different. Kinda like you said, difference American and British English. When it comes to the actual written word, Serbian varies greatly because they use the Cyclic alphabet while the other two use the Latin alphabet. Serbo-croatian was the official language spoken in Yugoslavia, which ment you were basically required to learn both Latin/Cyrillic alphabets back then. Once Yugoslavia split up, naturally each country wanted their own language…but it’s all the same.

    Yeah I hijacked “me” response…sorry. Hehe.

  70. Lucky Charm says:

    @ HorsePoor Hanna – thanks! 🙂

    Have a great weekend, I’m glad it’s Friday.

  71. Runs with Scissors** Hugs back at ya!!! My family history is long.We didn’t actually support Robert the Bruce until later in the war.I do think that Jolie has done a good job in this film.And through movies like this(some are not entirely accurate)you get a glimpse of someone elses loss,horror and pain.(Lucky Charm**Hugs your way too,girl!!)

  72. Milica says:

    @me
    Well…the accents are authentic, at least in my opinion (I’m Serb/Bosnian). There are actually only Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian actors in this film. Only actors from that region where used.

    I’m fluent in Russian, I guess I can see how you thought they sound Russian but since all those languages have Slavic roots…well they accents will sound the same.

    Serbo-croatian was the official language of former Yugoslavia, lucky you’ve never heard of it. You must be a youngin’ then. =)

  73. Milica says:

    @HorsePoor Hanna
    Thanks, yeah I know stuff like this always hits home when people have some family ties to it. 🙂

  74. endoplasmic_ridiculum says:

    Get lost @ Rocket Merry. No Arab bashing on this site. Only celebs.

  75. NM9005 says:

    Some people said that if you can’t back up the branding of the tagline “cheesy” that it makes no sense. Why? If you try to explain every sentence then you just try to find excuses where you don’t need to excuse yourself. An opinion is an opinion but whenever Jolie is the subject you have to back EVERYTHING up with pictures, quotes, excuses whatever. Grow up and deal with the fact that not everybody has the same thoughts on something. You know how long articles will be if journalist, bloggers etcetera need to explain everything? As a reader it’s also YOUR task to critically analyse a text and make up your mind about what you find necessary to remember and use in a possible discussion.

    And check the tagline of Beyond Borders (a true Jolie fan will know what I’m talking about):

    “In A Place She Didn’t Belong, Among People She Never Knew, She Found A Way To Make A Difference.”

    A film that came out around the same time her book came out. Cheesy as hell! The film that is. It was soooo bad, sooo contrived (seriously a romance that’s enhanced by the dying people in the background?!). There are scenes that are so mindboggling forced just for the sake of romanticizing Jolie’s and Owen’s scenes. It was horrendous so let’s hope she learnt from her mistakes.
    She’s still an actress and I know they all have very big frail egos that need to be nurtured but I’m going to wait out and see if she can tone it down a few notches on this one. A UN-ambassador/actress/whatever doesn’t make you a director.

  76. Cheyenne says:

    Heine: Not something I would personally see, but I can see how others would like this sort of thing.
    =============================================

    Well, to each his/her own. I can see how others would like fluff stuff like “Marley and Me”, “Love Happens”, “Along Came Polly” and that sort of thing. The kind of film where you can stare vacantly at the screen and put your mind on automatic pilot.

  77. Heine says:

    Cheyenne: The kind of film where you can stare vapidly at the screen and put your mind on automatic pilot.

    Oh right yea, like Tomb Raider I and II, The Tourist, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Salt, Life or Something Like It, Wanted, and Mr. And Mrs. Smith. You mean like those, right?

  78. Trek Girl says:

    @NM9005: I’m one of the people that was curious about the “ugh” comment, so that’s why I’m replying.

    I was just curious about why she doesn’t like it. I can name a few reasons why one might not like it, so, at least for me, it’s not about her having to back-up every one of her opinions – it’s just curiousity. Also, – and this is just about me, I can’t speak for everyone else – I would ask the same question if she were writing about a tagline for another movie and wrote the same thing.

    This is what happens when one writes a blog. People wonder what you mean, especially when you say “ugh”, and nothing else.

  79. NM9005 says:

    @Cheyenne: Be nice. It’s really offending how somebody states a general opinion, not attacking anybody but respecting their choices and you not being able to get over it, take it personally and counter with of course…what else…a backhanded JA reference. And so the triangle lives on.

    Seriously, do people even realise they are the cause of it? Stop mentioning JA. This film has got nothing to do with it. And hey, I don’t like romcoms either but I’m not going to insult and whine about it too other people when the conversation didn’t ask for it…at all. There’s a time and place to drag references like that in. It’s not because Heine doesn’t like this genre or this film that she likes JA romcoms. And another, thing nobody can have the same tastes or opinions, if you can’t deal with that like a grown-up you shouldn’t be on a public blog

    And for the record, I though the Polly film was decent.

  80. Original Chloe ) says:

    @ me: I find it interesting that the accents of those actors sound fake to you – fake in what sense? They are all Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian, and generally from the area, so obviously English is their second language and they speak it with an accent, as most foreigners who haven’t spent a lot of time abroad do. Did you mean that their English sound fake to you? Or their native language (which I didn’t hear in the trailer but maybe I overlooked it). Please explain.

    Serbo-Croatian used to be an official umbrella term to describe the Balkan languages that are closely related (as they are from the same family) not that long ago – I’m sorry I can’t provide a more reliable source at the moment but the linked entry isn’t very different from what they told us when I studied linguistics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbo-Croatian
    From what I know, these days Serbs call their language Serbian, most Croats call their language Croatian etc. but they can understand each other just as the Americans can understand the British or the Canadians. (Please someone correct me if I’m wrong)

  81. casey says:

    @NM9005, you’re envy is so obvious, you are just mad because your idol’s 20 minute movie sucks while angie’s looks promising.

  82. Nina says:

    The Tag line:
    “Love changes what we want. War changes who we are”.

    I would what an analyst would say if Angie were a patient or friend of theirs? I think she is such an interesting person (not just ‘beautiful’ as some many people point out first. She is definitely attractive but that’s not all there is.)

    I feel like the tag line applies to her. War, meeting refugees and seeing the world, changed her. And love, meeting Brad Pitt and falling in love, changed her wants or furthered her desire for other things like family.

    I think there are parts of you in your work, especially for artists. Good for her for trying something new as well!

  83. Original Chloe ) says:

    As for the cheesiness of taglines – isn’t it their inherent characteristic?

    Anyway, let’s wait to see the movie first.

  84. casey says:

    i really cannot understand these people who wants angelina to fail and trying to bring her down, people like laineygossip, she is predicting this movie will suck and wanted it to fail just like the tourist , i wonder how she feels now that the movie look promising and the tourist made almost 300 million worldwide.im sure she will still act negative about it.so predictable.you can’t put this wonderful woman down.she is loved by people all over the world.her fans love for her is unconditional.the more these people attack her ,the more we will love her.

  85. riri says:

    It’s about time more women will start taking the role of the person in charge and not just the “actress”.

    Good for her, and lets hope more women will be given such chances and will go out and produce/ direct etc.

  86. pwal says:

    Actually, this looks promising.

  87. Sakyiwaa says:

    Everybody has different tastes. Lets not argue…

  88. casey says:

    hope they will release it here in europe earlier.im really so excited.im just so happy for angie.she is just so blessed.europe love you girl.you just don’t know how famous you are here.

  89. Sakyiwaa says:

    What casey said.
    Cream always rises to the top. 🙂

  90. lisa says:

    @Original Chloe

    There hate is in the pen ready before they even saw the trailer. The actors are not American, but from the region. You would think that before you write something negative you would have some of your facts straight. She shot the films duel. First the scene was done in English then these actors did it again in the native language. She spoke about this in an interview. Anyone that has seen a translation to English knows how the meaning can change. A word in English will have a whole different meaning spoken in another language. I for one find it quite interesting how different the two films will ultimately be.

    Again so looking forward. And of course the none fans will find nothing but WRONG. Did we expect anything else.

    OH and Lainey (Lameass) is lame as usual. I will never forget how she raved about her Gwenny and how her Gwenny’s film was this and that.. then when it showed and BOMBED she shut her wonky eyed face. She is a fake and is pissed because she can’t get any inside info on the family.
    She is two faced.. talks one thing on her blog and kisses ass on that show.. OWN YOUR SH*T GIRL. And she did the same thing with Moneyball and anything Brad/Angie. She knows jack. The fans know more and have the info first.

    So she can shove it…

  91. Croatian, bosnian and serbian are from the same group but are 3 DIFFERENT languages. There are quite a lot differnet words between them, but the base is the same. I’m Croat.

    @ Original Chloe ):
    All Croats call their language Croatian!

    Don’t know what to think about the movie. Will see when it comes out. Hope it’s accurate about the war facts. But don’t think it will be a success..

  92. Runs with Scissors says:

    Agree that being a pop star or a mediocre actress doesn’t make you a Director, that’s clearly a transparent PR gesture to attract fans to the project and no one takes it seriously.

    But Jolie actually did go to one of the finest film schools in America, where she studied Directing and Screenwriting.

    She also attended the exclusive Lee Strasberg Theater Institute for Acting.

    Unlike almost all other actors, she’s also been chosen as an actress by world famous Directors, including Clint Eastwood (a former actor himself) and let’s not forget that she’s been honored with an Academy Award.

    She is respected in the industry for many reasons. She’s hardly a light weight, in Hollywood or in the world in general.

    People can try to cut her down, but she is clearly talented in many areas.

    We should be applauding her for branching out and trying so many things and not just phoning it in, but really pushing herself.

    As a woman and filmmaker, I’m inspired by her.

  93. Cheyenne says:

    @NM: Whoa. Like you said, everyone has their own preferences. Some people can’t handle a serious film. Chacun a son gout.

    @Heine: Whatever floats your boat. If rom-coms are your thing, go for it.

  94. NM9005 says:

    @Trek Girl: I can understand that but what more do you need to know? You’re English is fine so you know the meaning of cheesy. What more needs to be explained then? It’s an adjective like “the UGLY rose” meaning the rose ain’t pretty so a cheesy tagline is a tagline that tries to hard to envoke certain feelings. It has an inauthencity. I’m sure you already knew that…
    ————

    @Casey: Not trying to be rude here but sweetie, read my comment better before you try to form an opinion about me. I’ve seen most of Jolie’s films. I’ve been aware of her films since I was 14. And I like some of the films, I like her charity work more though. However, that doesn’t mean I have to kiss her ass. It doesn’t mean that I’m not allowed to watch a JA film or any other film that doesn’t star her or stars actors/actresses who don’t like her. What world are you living in? Like Cher would say: snap out of it. My view on this is objective. And if I envy somebody, mad, or even jealous, I’m not to lousy to admit it. I’m not wholesome ok.
    Besides AJ and JA are both A-listers, no need to compare them just because their love life intertwined.

  95. Cheyenne says:

    @casey: The people who want to see her fail are the same people who want to see her family break up. Losers all.

  96. Julia says:

    @ What Sakyiwaa said

    Everyone has different tastes people. If haters hate for the sake of hating everything that has a Jolie stamp on it, then let them do it. Their loss not yours.

    I personally think this looks very promising. And as a fan of Jolie and a woman who like it when we elevate ourselves and challenge ourselves in matters that are traditionally made by men I have a double motivation to watch it and back my girl.

    And last but not least, people should keep in mind that it is still a movie, not a documentary. It is heavily inspired by real tragedies but it still a movie with a specific focus on a favourite traditional hollywoodian theme : ‘Romance’.

  97. casey says:

    i’ve only known laineygossip because she is and angie hater like handler.i wonder why she hate angie then a learned she is a gwyneth fan so i am not surprised at all.she hates angie because her idol cannot hold a candle on angie.yes i also remember how she is excited about gwyn singing but when i saw how she sings at oscar, i just laughed and remember laimey.she must be so disappointed that her idol suck in singing.karma.

  98. NM9005 says:

    Sorry but this is too funny not to point out the double standard.

    @Lisa:
    “There hate is in the pen ready”

    and talking about hate and how you think you’re above it, this follows:

    “she shut her wonky eyed face. She is a fake and is pissed because she can’t get any inside info on the family.”

    You seem to adore Jolie. Maybe take a cue from your idol and learn how to calm down and spread the love?

    Oh and Lainey has inside info, more than you could ever dream of. She can contact big shots and they contact her. Why else does she receive so many hate mails from Twihards? Because they know, she knows a lot. She was the first to report on the FACT that Angie was going to give birth in Namibia. She loves the Brangie brand. And she had more exclusive first reports on many A-listers. But since you hate her, you’re probably going to discard that. Ah…blind hatred…

  99. NM9005 says:

    @Casey again: yeah now I’m the one who’s whining but this caught my eye:

    “and the tourist made almost 300 million worldwide”

    Art (whether it be film, music…) isn’t valued by the money it can gross but by the cultural value and the impact on the people who see/hear/feel it. So films like MOPI (River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves) who weren’t particularly popular in their time are being honored and recognized now because times have changed and we look different upon it. The Tourist, however popular it was, was a piece of bullc* which will not stand the test of time. Not by critics, nor by filmophiles. People just watched because of the actors and the setting. But it failed miserably because it lacked heart. In fact, Jolie admitted it was a project that seemed appealing because it was a short commitment that took place in a wonderful environment. It was like a short holiday you could say.

  100. casey says:

    to all fans, please forgive me for my english.it is not my first language.i know i have a lot of mistakes.i dont mind to be corrected because i know i will learn more.honestly, being a fan of angie helps me learn more english since i also want to defend her.after work and family, i look for news about her and her family.angie has made a lot of good influences in my life.she made me more aware about this charity thing, refugee, and things and try to help also in my own little way.

  101. Heine says:

    Cheyenne: Whatever lady. You were caught. Why do you insist upon injecting Aniston into every Jolie-Pitt thread? Why are you so obsessed with her?

    Leave it be. I am so sick of people comparing the two and dragging the other into stories that have nothing to do with each other.

    I can handle serious films, by the way. What I don’t like ate melodramas. Love story set in the Balkans during the war? Melodrama. You can keep them.

    Runs With Scissors: What film school did she go to again?

  102. Cheyenne says:

    @NM: The film studios love a $300,000,000 “failure”. And Lainey has no more inside information than any other gossip columnist. Next you’l be telling us that Ted Casablanca is a font of wisdom.

    🙄

  103. Jackie says:

    movie looks lame. too bad. i really wanted it to be good…oh,well.

  104. lisa says:

    @NM9005

    well so glad the lameass PR team is here to spout off about all her inside information. more than we can ever know..I’m sure that is the case.. and she is keeping all that inside information to herself.

    And you should wait to know me before you think you know if I need to calm down. And yes I adore Angie.. nope she is not my Idol. that is a term used by none fans. Fans admire her.. not idolize her..

    and how do you know she receives all this hate mail. OH because she tells the readers. I don’t follow Twilight and don’t really care what they send her. But as far as her “loving’ the Brand(as none fans call them) that is a crock of crap. Lainey does not LOVE the Jolie-Pitts. She loves the gossip. Big difference.

    and I never used the word HATE in describing my feelings for her. She would have to actually mean something to me or have done something to me to generate Hate. I don’t like or dislike her.. I just find her phony. so really get your facts straight.

  105. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Heine: Jolie went to film school at NYU.

  106. anne_000 says:

    I can see why Brad thought marriage to Jennifer was boring, & his relationship with Angelina isn’t.

    Jennifer complains about having to do rom-coms & being typed cast as a goodie-two-shoes, but she won’t do anything about it, because that would involve risk. Angelina will put herself out there, win or fail, but at least she’ll work hard on doing several different projects, from directing her own movie to doing UN humanitarian missions.

  107. Cheyenne says:

    For heaven’s sake, Heine, lighten up. I didn’t mean to step on your idol’s toes. Maybe one day she will direct her own movie. Whatever happened to Goree Girls?

    Pardon the diversion. Back to the topic. This film won’t a major box office success but it might be a good movie. I say “might” because you can’t tell much about any movie from a trailer.

  108. serena says:

    Hope it’ll do good.

  109. Lucky Charm says:

    Welcome, Casey! Your English is very good. (Better than a lot of people where English is their only language!) I agree, Angelina is a wonderful influence. She touches many peoples lives and is a great role-model.

    @ Heine – NYU (that would be New York University) film school.

  110. Victoria says:

    I’ll be watching as it does look interesting and I’ll need something to balance the cheesosity that is Twilizzle, which I can’t wait for.

    Loving Angie as always. So fabulous and so everything that many celebrities are not. But she’s still human and no everyone is going to like her.

    I’m all Team Brangie and what not but we really need to let the haters hate, unless they are stating shit that isn’t true or hypocritical when in relation to Chinz.

    But let’s be realistic. Everyone who doe snot like Angie isn’t always a a fan of Chin. Everyone can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, though there are a few people who I do feel that don’t deserve censure from anyone as they don’t hurt anyone and seem to be good people. Mariah Carey is one of those for me.

    Unfortunately I know Angelina does not fall into that category because she’s done some questionable things, but I lover her for her honesty. For the type of money we pay to keep these stars in riches, I want to know shit and she never disappoints.

  111. Auds says:

    I find the tagline a little trite. I mean d’oh, of course war will change a person. I personally know Bosnians who will never have relationships with Serbs [any kind of relationships] and vice versa (used to have a Serb roommate whose entire family hated Bosnians), but in order to sell the film in Hollywood the common romantic relationships trope has to be used in some way.
    In any case, I probably won’t watch this film until it comes out on DVD; I have to steel myself to watch any films with war crimes in them.
    As a general comment though, I think the most criticism will come from either Bosnians or Serbs rather than Hollywood types and journalists. People who generally experience war first hand [Angelina didn’t] will usually try to add their experience, while also dismissing fragments from a film depicting an event and because Serbia/Bosnia is relatively recent, there’ll be a lot of criticism.
    I don’t envy Jolie here. She has opened the door to a lot of criticism. There is no easy way to create a film about this sort of subject matter, especially when it involves a relationship between two people, from two opposite ethnic groups [based on my impression of the trailer].
    Anyway, I think in terms of awards, this film will be more favourable in Europe than the US. In the US, especially the Oscars, the only similar films that tend to make Oscar nominations are those with Holocaust themes: The Pianist, Schindler’s List, etc.
    It may be controversial to note, but the big Hollywood players don’t seem to be interested in any other genocides other than the Holocaust for the ‘best film’ category.
    That, and I suspect that Angelina is still blackballed in some way in Hollywood. That’s the impression I get. Everything went downhill for her after Mr and Mrs Smith. Even though she had nominations, the awards went to other lame films, and she didn’t get much praise for Salt, which was reasonably good. So there are a lot of Hollywood wives, probably those of head honchos that are on the warpath with her or something. We see from the Tom Cruise Paramount fiasco, that a Hollywood wife had her hand in that. So it wouldn’t surprise me if something similar was happening in the background to ostracise Jolie in some way. Hollywood is a superficial little town that reeks of nepotism.

  112. Jayna says:

    Wow, Angelina’s and Madonna’s movies coming out during the holidays. Kudos to both women for having the drive and passion to not worry about fear of failure. I will support this movie at the box office or on DVD. After watching so many truly mediocre movies this past year by so-called experienced male directors, it can’t be any worse for either film.

    Angelina rocks.

  113. jennifuru says:

    This movie looks boring and something we’ve all watched before.
    Awesome. So can’t wait.

  114. Julia says:

    @ Victoria.

    If you want to imply that Jolie has done questionable thing by hurting people as opposed to Mariah Carey who hasn’t hurt anyone…well think again.

    Mariah was involved with a married family man, her own producer Tommy Mottola who was very married when they got together. He divorced his wife, left his children and marry his 23 years old protegé.

    Same with Celine Dion with a very questionable underage/mature inappropriate thing going on with her producer, before he divorced, dated her secretly because she was too young and more officially when she hit 19/20 years of age.

    It’s always interesting to see how people’s mind function, how tabs choose their target and let other, how selective their memory is or how questionable things are purely dissmissed for others or branded over and over again according the identity of the person who did the perceived ‘sin’.

  115. Heine says:

    Cheyenne: I didn’t take us off topic. Your weird necessity to speak on Aniston’s exploits on every topic led us off topic

  116. Ally says:

    Re: the translation, all the actors speak English so she allowed them to say/translate the lines in the way that seemed right to them, after they had completed a scene in English. She talked about how the language changed their intonations in speaking the line.

    This is a truly impressive choice and handling of the material, actors and treatment. It looks challenging, profound & beautiful.

    The former Yugoslavia regions are as different as the various US states. There are important differences and commonalities; people can focus on what divides them or unites them. I’m glad she was smart and educated enough to appreciate this. (In contrast to, say, Owen Wilson’s idiot Bosnian war movie.) Her work with the UN and travels no doubt have a lot to do with it.

    I look forward to this film.

  117. Cheyenne says:

    @Victoria: LOL @ Twilizzle. You think it will be any better than the book? It can’t possibly be any worse.

  118. Original Chloe ) says:

    While I agree that Jolie’s movie has a potential for melodrama (although the trailer chilled me to the bone rather than anything else), it’s hard to judge it from the 2 minutes we’ve seen. Trailers can be very non-representative, which can work both ways here. We’ll have to wait for more.

    But regarding the “we’ve seen it all before” remarks: I think that the labyrinth of ethical and personal choices that the characters in this movie have to make is quite interesting for the cinema to tackle. I am by no means an expert, but I can’t immediately recall one that would present a similar set of choices; this particular war places them in a very specific context.

    Also, some would say that most movies could be summed up in three sentences (just google structuralist narratology), it’s the details that matter and the way the story is told.

  119. ugg says:

    hgdfhgfhfghfhfhgfh

  120. Cheyenne says:

    @Heine: So sorry. I will refrain from referring to your idol in the future and wouldn’t have done so on this occasion if I had known it would precipitate your having a terminal hissy-fit. Now calm down and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

  121. Heine says:

    Cheyenne: Hahahaha-same to you lady except I won’t bother with refraining from talking about your idol on her threads.But lucky you, I won’t talk about her when it isn’t pertinent. And we can all see you started it. Trying to divert attention away from your unnecessary mention of Aniston isn’t working but good try.

    Oh, and I look forward to you bringing her up again. You just can’t help it. I think you love her. If we were on a playground you’d be pushing her down and putting gum in her hair.

  122. Auds says:

    @ Runs with Scissors, and if Jolie went to NYU film school?
    She didn’t graduate and most descriptions/info about her in relation to attending, refer to her as attending a ‘few’ classes.
    That aside, I don’t see the relevance of film school, but adding qualifications that Jolie doesn’t have is a little over the top as well. Not if you’ve worked under other directors, that should provide more experience, certainly hands on experience. Jolie has worked alongside notable film directors like Eastwood and Noyce, which is probably better experience than a yuppie film school.

  123. Cheyenne says:

    @Heine: I never mentioned your idol; I mentioned her movies. YOU were the one who had to drag her name into it. Do you sleep with her picture under your pillow at night? I wouldn’t be surprised.

    BTW you conveniently skipped the question of what’s happening with Goree Girls. Probably just as well she can’t find a studio to greenlight it, since it spared her you and the rest of her fans a major embarrassment.

  124. DeeVine says:

    Gah! How did Aniston get dragged into this post?

    I am not a fan of Angelina and melodramatic war movies. So I won’t be watching this. Doesn’t mean I am an Aniston fan. I probably watched 10 episodes of Friends in my life, because I had to kill time.

    I won’t watch any Tom Hanks or Anne Hathaway movies either (Batman probably will be the exception) Face it, some people just dont like Jolie for their own reasons which has nothing to do with Aniston.

  125. Green_Eyes says:

    @ Olivia..I have a mother who was a little girl in WW II in the heart of it fighting for her life.l wAR changed everything about her and her family, my dad fought in the Korean War and in Vietnam (along w/ 2 of his brothers) wars changed them, my hubby and his brother fought in Vietnam that War changed them. Have Nephews, cousins, and friends that fought in Irag and Afganistan those Wars have changed them… I can ask any Soldier on our Military Base as each has served at the least 5 rotations unless they were severely hurt..but in either case these wars have changed everyone of them… It’s a very pathetic and ignorant statement w/ no thought for those involved to say “war changes people is a cliche”. I can give you the names of at least 36,000 local Soldiers as they come and transfer back that would tell you were can put your it’s so Cliche comment.. Cuz they lived or are living the changed people they have become whether physical, emotional, or psychological!

    So Olivia as so many pointed out if you don’t like it on Angelina feeds..LEAVE, your not a prisoner. Now if you want to critique her work..see it first then comment.. But to make an ignorant statement regarding war and people when there are so many wars going on today and changing people just shows how you really don’t have a clue…. Grow up and then make comments regarding things you know nothing about w/ a little more tact. And YES as a military brat, proud daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, aunt, niece, wife, & friend of Vets who have endured Wars and have seen the first hand how tragic some of the changes were.. I take it quite personally, especially from someone who seems to Iike to stir the pot. I have no beef w/ you.. However, I’m letting you know that sometimes you should stop and think about your careless remarks because by that one it wasn’t as much as an insult to Angelina as it was to the millions of people that have endured or fought in wars.. How reckless! Just a lil FYI, as long as people think things such as “war changes people” is a cliche… The world and society as we know it will continue to fight…after all if it doesn’t change anyone what’s the harm…. Ok.. I’m sorry I may be banned after this, but after seeing all my hubby has gone thru w/ his health due to agent orange and the near killings from beatings from a father who was never the same after Vietnam, a timid mother, a crippled uncle, and so much else just in my family alone”… That reckless comment trying to stint the pot did just that but not in the way she hoped… It.

  126. Heine says:

    Keep it up, Cheyenne. You’re quickly reaching wedgie territory.

    Just admit that you love her, you’ve seen all her movies, and you are projecting. Do YOU sleep with her picture under your pillow?

    I like Aniston but she isn’t my idol. And unlike you, I don’t feel compelled to mention her OR her movies all the time.

  127. CHRISTIAN_GIRL says:

    I certainly have not seen a movie like this. Written by a woman, produced by same woman, than directed by her too in English and native tongue by native people. Archive me someone, to that other film or films.

    The tagline is just that, a tagline. This one, I find is great, nothing cheesy about it’s 2 themes: Love and War? Opposites intertwined for a lifetime. It succeeds in provoking discussion.

    The trailer looks great, because it probably comes from a great movie. If it had been done by RDJ, Deep, Gosling or Fassy or whichever IT guy, this silly talk would not be happening. But, as usual Jolie rubs that corn RAW.

    Credit where credit is due, people. In fact forget the “it looks good for her first time” excuse, it just simply looks good.

    Those who have seen the movie say it is the real deal and great. I said Jolie Threw Down, and now she teased us with a little more than 2 minutes worth to tantalize. It won’t fail, as the budget was small and it is already successful for the actors and led to them getting signed by American Talent Agencies and new roles. So someone saw something good. Not like a FREE Lifetime movie, that very, very few watched and kept that info under the radar about it’s poor showing. Funny, it was not discussed here and no one worried about it, when they should have.

    Just being mentioned for awards is a testimony that FEW get to enjoy. Yet, this is getting serious talk on EVERY awards prediction list. Don’t think anyone important is not taking her serious. Fan or no fan, she was not joking around. One step closer to her Churchill/Roosevelt film. She means business. Watch out.

    And don’t forget her man is being talked about for 2 awards. Industry gives much respect and tabloids have NO authority. I don’t think failure and the Jolie-Pitts reside in the same household. Wait and enjoy.

  128. smh says:

    Oh so all directors have to go to film school now? Like all musicians study in a conservatoire and all artists at an academy and all actors are from acting school, right? She’s not a cardiac surgeon people. Even if she hadn’t attended NYU film school, she could have trained to be a director through other means.

  129. Cheyenne says:

    ROFL @ Heine! Still dodging the question. Never mind, we already know the answer. If people wouldn’t watch her silly Lifetime movie free, they’re not going to pay to watch anything she directs. Kiss Goree goodbye.

  130. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Auds, not sure what your point is, but Jolie DID attend NYU and stopped to pursue her acting career. I’d say it was a wise decision, considering she is one of most successful actresses in the world. So there was no ‘adding qualifications she doesn’t have.’

    My point was, she attended NYU and has clearly been interested in filmmaking for years, not just acting. This isn’t some new interest for her.

    Film school is great for some people, not so great for others. It certainly isn’t a requirement to be a good Director.

    If it makes you feel better to try to put her down for not sticking around NYU, or call NYU a “yuppy film school” whatever that means, go right ahead.

  131. Katherine says:

    Auds: October 21st, 2011 at 8:09
    ” . . . I suspect that Angelina is still blackballed in some way in Hollywood. . . Everything went downhill for her after Mr and Mrs Smith”

    LOL! You have GOT to be kidding.

    There are none so blind as those who will not see.

  132. Lucky Charm says:

    @ Green_Eyes – STANDING OVATION! I, too, come from a military family (dating back to the civil war when my immigrant great, great grandfather joined the Union Army) – father, grandfather, uncles, cousins, ex-husband, and son all in the military. Yes, war DOES change people, even if only in slightly recognizble ways. But some people just want to denigrate anything to do with Angelina simply for the reason that she’s Angelina. Most likely because they’re envious that she goes ahead and does things that they only wish they could do, and she doesn’t care what people think and they live their lives around what everyone thinks. Guess who’s happier? (and it ain’t them!)

  133. Ligaya says:

    I haven’t read the previous comments because I don’t have the time – sorry if someone has posted this already. Angelina Jolie was a very focused, decisive & efficient director and knew what she wanted – the actors spoke to that in interviews in Central European media not picked up or translated in the U.S.

    Angelina Jolie always PLANNED to film the DIALOG in both Serbo-Croatian and unsubtitled Engligh to make it accessible to the most people. For example, if you’re making a film for the Chinese market, it’d be best be done in the language is in one of major Chinese languages. And the majority of Americans are notoriously allergic to subtitles.

    There’s also the question of how different cultures express themselves – Serbs-Croats express themselves differently than Americans, just like the English, Americans, Germans, Italians, Chinese, Japanese,etc.

  134. sandy#1 says:

    i love watching their love, they are so sweet together, i will go see this movie, wow!!! what can’t angie do? subject matter looks interesting. directing credits under her belt now.

  135. P.M. says:

    As one who is absolutely sick of the crap that Hollywood continues to regurgitate; doing films of 1970s TV shows, predictable & formulaic screenplays and endless sequels. I found the trailer to be interesting enough that I may get off my butt & actually go to a theater to see it. I’m tired of the 20 year old “pretty people” in romantic comedies. I want something more complex and challenging, that life isn’t always an easy choice and sometimes people fall in love with the “wrong” person.

  136. Juliesunflower says:

    I am bursting with pride and this film will do well. Up Jolie. Must say this site is quite educational; always wondered where Montenegro sprang from.

  137. Victoria says:

    @Cheyenne You know I am all about Twilizzle. I’ve got my tickets reserved (have a connection at the Pearl Theatre if there is anyone from Philly who is interested) cause I have to compete with the Temple U kids and the seventy thousand high schoolers in the area which is the best way to view the movie. And Philly is diverse so the comments that are made throughout the movies are so hilarious.

    Bill Condon as the director has me worried. But the trailer, looks amazingly cheesetastic. And I love it.

    @ Julia I am implying that Angelina has been honest about her past and in her honesty she has definitely put a target on her back with SOME folks who found her past shenannies indeed painful to others. And no I am not talking about the non-tri because we all know the truth about that.

    I never said Mariah was perfect, I said she didn’t deserve all the censure because she really hasn’t done anything to anyone that we know of and for the most part, aside from her bitter divorce and breakdown, she keeps to herself. People think she is selfish and self-centered, but she isn’t. I like to talk about me more than anything because I am me after all but that doesn’t make me any of those things. I guess I was talking more about their personalities and how they deal with things maybe.

    As for the marriage between Mariah and Tommy it was very scandalous and there was more going on there than meets the eye. As this is a post about Angelina I will refrain from speaking on it, but just know that urban blogs can break down that entire fuckery and Mariah was not an angel, but she certainly wasn’t the homewrecker that she was portrayed to be. Some people just don’t know the tea.

    I do not have a selective memory about anything and your tone really bothers me because it’s really proving the point of others, that it’s either praise Angie or die. I was being completely neutral and saying I understood that everyone will not like who I like and they have just as much a right to say they don’t like her as much as we dislike Chinny and the Chin-Hens for their hypocrisy.

    I have no problem pointing out the flaws in anyone who I heart. Because they are human and if it happened, it happened. And if I think someone is being attacked unfairly on this board celebrity or poster, I’m gonna say, just like I always do.

  138. folly says:

    i am glad that this movie is getting positive buzz from everysites,even the super hater sites couldnt help but accept that this looks promising,i think it is time we women start supporting ourselves,i beleive what men can do,we can do it better

  139. Freya says:

    It comes out during the holidays, but romcoms aren’t worth going to the theater for. This is!

  140. Sakyiwaa says:

    @smh. If u told people you were a cardiac surgeon, people would like to see your qualifications for it. Of cos, AJ is not a cardiac surgeon…she merely wrote a film and directed it. Having studied Filmwriting and Directing at NYU certainly gives her the qualifications to do so… even if they are not a necessary requirement per your interesting reasoning. I’m guessing you write and direct films too… 🙂

  141. Sakyiwaa says:

    @smh. I dont mean to be snarky really… But, trust… ‘skeptics’ would never get your line of reasoning. It’s just better to throw down the ‘she went to film school’ gauntlet, lol! And let’s not kid ourselves, all the best ones (artists, art, music, film…) did go to school.

  142. NM9005 says:

    @Lisa: Yes, because calling names to a gossip blogger you don’t know personally is the epitome of love?

    She does get threats from publicists since she goes hard on celebs whether they’re C or A-list. And like I said, you can’t deny the fact that she knew and reported it first that Jolie was going to give birth in Namibia. How would she know that? From you “fans”? Riiiiiiiight…There are also many times she rightfully gloats when sometimes comes out that she reported on months ago. So I am inclined to believe she gets a lot of inside info. You seem to read her threads about Brangie so if you don’t like or don’t believe what she reports on, why do you even bother to read it?
    ———————————–
    @Cheyenne:
    Exactly my point that I’m making, film studios and the big shots will call it a success but they do not have souls or hearts for films. They do not now anything about moviemaking. Only moneymaking interests them. They are moneygrubbing women hating businessmen who don’t care what the critics or the filmophiles say because they want MONEY. So if you side with those people, it’s clear what you value most when going to a film or any other art form. For me, whether it’s an indie film or a big Hollywood one, as long as the plot, the acting etcetera is giving me goosebumps, a good feeling, makes me want to discuss it for weeks and teaches me something I’m game. I do not care for films that are so empty, purely made for the money and not for the artistic value and are filled with too many plotholes that makes me raise my eyebrows when watching it. Sometimes I do go for the cheap entertainment route but that’s when I expect it. I did not expect it with “The Tourist”, thought it was going to be a good espionage film. I discoverd the plot twist 10 minutes in! Sigh…

    ——————————–
    And a trailer can look promising but the film can be cr*. Some films have bad trailers but once you see the film, it can be actually good so even IF people don’t like this trailer it doensn’t mean they don’t like the film or the person directed it. But no, go on and attack everybody with an opinion different than yours because “ZOMG everything Angie does is soooooo perfect and you MUST be a fan of romcoms like Manistons”. Or leave the Maniston out and then go on and say you didn’t mention her while you do mention her films. Because that’s TOTALLY different. High school all over again. Such a sad state of critical thinking. Coming from mostly women no less.

  143. Freya says:

    @95

    So true, Cheyenne!

    This is AJ’s first effort as a director.
    I hope it will be well-received. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m sure even if it’s 90% good, the haters will focus on the 10% imperfections, because there’s no question they want her to fail.

  144. mln76 says:

    I don’t think it’s fair to be so hard on Lainey. She’s pro-Brange. Anyone who’s ever read her accounts on actually meeting them knows that. She’s always talking about how beautiful Angie is and how hot the chemistry is between the Brange and has you-know-who and her love for certain powders pegged. Now does she snark on them? SURE. She snarks on everybody. Does she weirdly worship the GOOP yup but that’s her right. Do I think she’d love the amount of gossip a Brange breakup would bring sure she would but she doesn’t make shit up about them like Ted C does to suck up to Huvi. Oh and as for Lainey’s movie tastes. She only seems to talk about movies if A) someone really big in the insdustry is talking about it and they say it’s good (Because she’s a bit pretentious) or B) she get’s paid Don’t fool yourself she’s a blogger and she is getting money from studios to push drivel and usually a month or two after she’s pushed some crappy movie she’ll admit how bad she really thinks it is.

    And the importance of Angie going to Film School is not major most directors haven’t completed film school. But it does show she’s always had an interest. She has plenty of hands on experience and has worked with some of the all time greats so.

  145. Mary says:

    I find this in a forum:

    Jolie went to Bosnia before and met with two men who represented a small town that was trying to build relations between the different ethnic backgrounds after the war. They talked of romances torn apart between Muslims and Bosnians when the war broke out. There hope was to have a wedding between the same backgrounds soon as a healing thing. Jolie wrote about this over 8 years ago in Notes on My Travels. She has spoken with many refugees from the area over the last 10 years. So that is where she got the idea for the story.
    Cr PhxGwen

  146. Samigirl says:

    I’m going to need you women to CHILL OUT about AJ & JA. JA is not necessary to this thread, and it really just pisses me off when people throw her in for comparison. They’ve been with the same man, big freaking deal. It’s been almost a decade. Get the frick over it.

    Now, I really appreciate this trailer, in that they didn’t find an olive skinned hollywood bombshell, throw on a fake nose, and make her the lead. These people are authentic. I like that, and that is all.

  147. Juliesunflower says:

    Good job Angie!

  148. Auds says:

    @ Runs with Scissors, whatever. I just don’t see the point of having to defend Jolie’s choice to make a film. If she was Tarantino, no one would argue the point and Tarantino – correct me if I’m wrong – hasn’t even attended a film school. He is a high school dropout, so technically Jolie would have more experience than he has, but no, people have to defend her choice to make a film. She doesn’t need to be defended. So what if others say whatever they’ll say? There are always going to be folks who’ll find something to bitch about.

  149. teri says:

    This is Angelinas first attempt at film making and writing? WOW, very impressive.

  150. NM9005 says:

    @Auds: he’s a high school drop-out indeed which says nothing about his intelligence. He then worked in a video store and paid attention to what people liked and discussed it lenghtly. He’s an observist and works with a feeling and passion for film. He proved himself a LONG time ago. Jolie writes a script when she’s sick, Brad says “actually that’s not bad” and BAM she can make a film. Most people work 20 years in HWood and never get recognised for their talent but she can make a film right away. And then people can’t wonder “hmm will she be able to pull it off?”
    But I digress, back to Tarantino. How does somebody with no insight in the technical aspect of filmmaking make so many classics? He’s really talented and a visionary.
    A former classmate of mine had so much talent in writing and wrote his scripts since the age of 14. He’s about to graduate from film school in Belgium and he claims it taught him…nothing. For some it can be useful (Scorsese and other greats come to mind) but for some who rely purely on talent and learning through observing, they too can deliver something beautiful and valuable. So technically you can never know who has to most intelligence or experience to make a film.
    And excuse me *coughs* but:

    TARANTINO vs. JOLIE???
    Are you kidding me, as if you can compare! Their genre have no similarities at all since Tarantino is influenced by spaghetti westerns and grindhouse films. Do you even now his body of work!? That’s like comparing Avatar vs. Bride Wars =D.

  151. katyalia says:

    “You’re not a prisoner, if you are where you want to be.”
    What a load of crap. As long as I can’t leave when I want to I am definitely a prisoner.

  152. Heine says:

    Cheyenne: The answer is that Goree Girls has script problems and is in development hell. Pretty much everyone knows that. Whenever that script finally gets ironed out, I bet it’ll get made. Remember, Steven Spielberg has been kicking around a Jurassic Park 4 script for the last 10 years. If a studio was itching to bankroll a film, it would be that one. Why hasn’t it been made? Script problems

    Anyway, back on topic, Angelina going to film school for some indefinable amount of time nearly 20 years ago does not give her any kind of director qualifications. I took an acting class in college- does that qualify me to be a professional actor? She’s an actor who is clearly interested in the directing process and she’s gotten far more experience in the field than she ever did in her limited time in college. Directing is much more than telling the actors where to stand and what the scene is about. It’s ok that she didn’t really go to film school. A lot of directors don’t go to film school.

    Actually, anyone who knows anything about the entertaient industry knows that film school is basically a crock. You need to get out there and get jobs and get on the set experience, like Jolie smartly did.

  153. spaded says:

    heaven & earth oliver stone , simular and brillant portrayl of what war does with lives & loves . excellent movie’s very touching emoitional ..

  154. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Auds, maybe you have me mixed up with someone else. Go back and re-read, I was responding to other posters. We appear to be on the same side of the argument.

  155. Green_Eyes says:

    @Lucky Charms… Thank you Darlin:). My deepest respect to all of your family, as it affects even those who are left at home when loved ones serve.

    I agree w/ what you said regarding Angelina. If people look backandd are honest w/o being biased (negatively) you can tell the exact point in Angelina’s life where she grew up. It was in fact her travels for the first time in a war torn Country..she even admits in several interviews..it’s where she realized there was a bigger
    picture in the world besides herself and she opened her heart to people who really were suffering. Her eyes were opened to something more important than her own pain. That spoke volumes to me..I had already been a fan, but when she started caring about those who are refuges, living in war torn countries or disasters
    and actually doing something about it..her compassion really touched me. Knowing she even visits the troops for moral support, that meant a lot as well.

    I am sure someone will point out she’s just a celebrity.. maybe so..but she’s
    intelligent and she uses her fame to bring attention to plights that would or could have easily been pushed aside by the world. I am sure if a celebrity has some terrible disease that is shared w/ the average person and the celebrity does all they can to raise funds and awareness on the disease they would be
    appreciated…it’s the same thing. I say that as I am thankful to MJ Fox coming forward at a young age w/ his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Way over a decade I had been tested, prodded, operated on..you name it. Parkinson’s kept coming up but
    ignored as the Drs kept saying can’t be though as I was too young. So due to exploration procedures, incompetent Dr’s, etc.. I kept loosing organs and going thru hell. But as soon as MJF stood up and addressed Congress.. Drs around the
    U.S. (well reasonable ones as some still seem amazed and say but your too
    young) realized that Parkinson’s is not age discriminatory… So now it recognized I
    was in my late teens when afflicted. I am sure those in the Countries that Angelina visits and helps feel the same gratitude towards her for bringing awareness towards them, as those of us that suffered for years at the hands of clueless Physicians feel gratitude towards MJ Fox for using his Celebrity and his own diagnosis to bring awareness to the disease and how it can afflict anyone..
    Not just elderly.

    I’m sure Angelina has put her heart and compassion in this film, as well as
    respect..because she has seen what most of us haven’t and looked into the eyes of those who are as well as have suffered immensely. That in itself took a lot of courage and should be commended.

  156. pamela says:

    NM9005, Why is it so upsetting to you that Angie wrote a script, and was able to get it made? Probably like Tarantino, she is just talented. You and your ilk can wonder about her skills all you want, the fact is the trailer is the talk of the web, and it’s very positive. If when the movie comes out it’s disappointing, then you can crow to your heart’s content, but until then, you are just wasting your time.

    You REALLY need to take a break, because this is obviously driving you NUTS.

  157. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Heine: “Actually, anyone who knows anything about the entertaient industry knows that film school is basically a crock…”

    Lol, I’m sorry, but you sound like an idiot.

  158. NM9005 says:

    @Pamela:

    I was merely stating that critism is ok since she hasn’t proved her directorial skills yet. I stated that more elaborately in other comments above. I also said a trailer can be bad but the film good and vice versa. I have nothing against her writing a script etc. but pointed out that she’s just lucky since their are many people in HWood struggling to get their ideas out but are unlucky because there aren’t rich but Jolie can whatever she wants and doesn’t need to prove anything. Rarely does somebody go from “that’s not bad” to making it within a year. It’s mindboggling.
    And stop comparing Tarantino to Jolie because it simply doesn’t make sense. Take Kathryn Bigelow then, she’s a woman too and makes films with a profound impact (Hurt Locker), at least that would make a bit more sense.

    Oh don’t worry, it doesn’t drive me nuts. I just love to give my critical opinion on it since everybody here throws in everything they have to defend Jolie (for no reason) even if it doesn’t make sense. If other people get shot down by the hardcore fans, I can give my objective opinion without diverting to calling names or mentioning the triangle. I just happen to love film.
    Well, seeing this is my break in between studying I already took your advice. Not that I need a stranger behind a PC tell me what to do.

  159. Lucky Charm says:

    I love her hair this color. It looks so pretty on her.

  160. smh says:

    @Sakyiwaa You are so wrong… Many great directors, artists and musicians never had any schooling. You can study those things on your own, or get training on location (studying with a pro artist, going to studios and co-directing, etc.) It’s silly to even assume that such a subjective thing as art obligates rigid education like a doctor would be required to have. I don’t mean to be rude but only narrow minded ignorant people do not criticize a work of art based on its own value but want to see the artist’s credentials first. If you ever looked for creative work, you know that employers only ask for your repertoire/portfolio/work samples etc. And most art school graduates will never work a day as professional artists while many self-taught artists receive great praise. You might as well have turned down Van Gogh, Marco Djurdjevic, Alex Garner, and many of modern days musicians. smh

  161. smh says:

    @Sakyiwaa Peter Jackson, David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, Ridley Scott… and many big name directors never went to film school. A quick google search will give you the results. Really it’s one thing to rag on a person you don’t know, but it’s another ,to speak in such a biased tone about a subject you have absolutely no knowledge about.

  162. pamela says:

    @NM9005

    I am not comparing Angie to Tarantino, only stating that just like him, she can also be talented, because YOU stated (quite rightly) that he is talented.

    I wonder if this film was directed by a Damon, or a Depp, or any other male first time director, if they would have been criticized and scrutinized in the same way? Somehow I doubt it.

  163. Julia says:

    Rarely does somebody go from “that’s not bad” to making it within a year. It’s mindboggling.
    ———————–

    Jolie has always been focused when she wants something to be done.

    It has more to do about the “go for it” and fearless attitude than just being lucky.

    There are actresses, singers, entrepreneurs out there with plenty and even more financial ressources. Why don’t they write projects or hire someone to write for them ?

    They are women who want to direct but between the wish and the act, they don’t force things to happen and give up easily. They don’t have the drive, nor passion to go for it fiercely and with the conviction of someone who fight for his life.

    Someone like Oprah Winfrey has plenty of ressources. She financed the ‘Malcolm X’ project in the nineties. She was an aspiring good actress in the ‘Color Purple’, why don’t she invest on those type of projects ? Why don’t she look at unknown writers who maybe need some finance and some big name to give their project an impulse ?

    Why are there many actors who team together to co produce but no actresses who collaborate to make things happen more effectively ?

    My point is, we women tend to wait for things to be done for us in a machistic industry. We only invest in writing, directing, producing when we hit a certain age and when roles are not pourring anymore, basicly when we cannot live on our acting projects anymore.

    Sound more like a second option forced upon us than a real passion.

    The fact that Jolie at the height of her career and who is still young enough to be in great demand put those things together is a testament of her go for it attitude more than anything else.

    Others could have made it too a thousand time before her but didn’t.

    It’s typical feminine NERVOUS ATTITUDE and the fact that more than men, women are scared of taking risks, of branching in other territories. Those who usually do it have that ‘masculine’ quality, risk takers, natural leaders : Jolie, Bigelow, Foster.

    Jolie, when you look at her career, personal moves, has always been a risk taker, has always display this fireless courrageous attitude. She wanted a baby, she adopt one, she wanted to fly, she took lessons and got her licence, she wanted to help and write to the UN offering her services.

    She doesn’t wait that things come to her, she doesn’t cave to the pressure when there are obstacles, she doesn’t give up on her passions. She wants to visit Iran and I am pretty sure she will do everything in her power to make it happen.

    Being given opportunities isn’t enough. You have to be able to seize them with panache and be up to the challenge with all the difficulties, setbacks it implies without never ever given up, staying on topic and focused to reach your aim.

    It requires endering passion, dedication, overwhelming convinction, go getter agressive attitude, ect.

  164. Cheyenne says:

    @NM: Since the movie hasn’t been released yet, why not hold the criticism of her directorial ability until it comes out?

    BTW I didn’t see Bride Wars; but except for some stunning special effects, Avatar was a pretty crappy movie.

  165. Cheyenne says:

    @Auds: People who are being blackballed by Hollywood don’t get paid $15 million per movie.

  166. Trek Girl says:

    @NM9005: Can I not ask for clarification on something from the person who wrote it? You act like I wrote in all caps, as if I was yelling, and demanded to know why she thought what she thought. I made no demands, I didn’t insult anyone, nor did I say she was wrong. She doesn’t have to answer me if she doesn’t want to.

    The whole point of the comment section on this website is that people can give their opinions, read other opinions, and talk about them, which is exactly what I did, and is exactly what you are doing. Why am I being met with condescension from you, when I am just using this forum the way it is supposed to be used, and I haven’t insulted you, belittled you, or questioned your intelligence in any way?

    I’ve already made it clear why I asked what I asked, and I don’t want to communicate with you any longer. I did ask you a question in this post, so I will read any answers you give me if you do answer, but I won’t reply to you anymore.

  167. Heine says:

    Runs with scissors: Really? Because I work as a production assistant and have talked with hundreds of people in the industry. The majority did not go to film school-especially grip and electric, art department, wardrobe, and vanities. Studio execs are all lawyers or went to business school.

    Acting school is worth something as are writing programs. But most people in the film industry fell into it from some other career. Film school is expensive and unnecessary. I’ve met fellow PAs who went to film school. Yea.

    Directors have vision. You either have it or you don’t. Some went to film school and others didn’t. It isn’t required and frankly, it doesn’t mean anything depending on the talent of the director. A lot of directors did not go to film school-they just had vision and did everything they could to make their dreams happen. Spielberg, Soderbergh, Rodriguez, Tarantino, Linklater, Jonze-all either never went to film school or dropped out (like Jolie) way before they were finished.

    The entertainment industry has always been a learn-by-doing type of place. Since the beginning when they were figuring out lighting techniques and how to film a steady tracking shot. The film industry is full of inventors and tinkerers. People who invented the dolly, the steadycam, the Doggie cam rigs, the Ultimate Arm, the Method, c-stands, CGI, monster make-up effects. You think those people learned that stuff in school? Lon Chaney did his own make-up effects that he experimented on himself with. Tom Savini, who created zombie make-up, no film school. People intern, assist and apprentice until they learn their trade in this business. They are artists. Even DPs don’t have to go to film school.

    And with the advent of the Internet and digital cameras, anyone can make a film or pilot or music video or commercial and have it be seen by millions.

    That’s why film school is a crock and you don’t need it to be a success in the entertainment industry.

    Who sounds like the idiot now?

  168. Deltona lakes says:

    If lamey loves Angie I would love to see what she would write if she hated her. I read on another blog she’s upset that she no longer has the inside scoop on the BP’s. They shut her down a few years ago. JA now gives her the inside scoop that’s why the tide turned.

    Also, I believe the movie production cost was only 10 mil so I don’t believe the studios are expecting a huge box office hit.

  169. smh says:

    @Heine While I agree with what you said about directors and having vision, and the un-necessity of having attended film school, I disagree with your determination for putting Jolie down. Yes film school is not necessary, I’m not saying people shouldn’t attend it, if you can afford it then swell; good for you. But arts in general are more liberal in terms of training (except for architecture, which directly involves human lives). That said, this movie wasn’t even released yet and yet you go at extreme lengths to criticize Jolie’s efforts.

  170. Freya says:

    @163

    You are right! Jolie has initiative and drive. She doesn’t sit around, waiting. She goes after what she wants. Just like Brad, really.
    The fact that she can hire all the nannies she needs certainly helps, plus there’s Brad in her corner. I like it that they are so supportive of each other.

  171. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Heine, “who sounds like an idiot now?”

    Forgive me, but you still sound like an idiot.

    “The majority did not go to film school-especially grip and electric, art department, wardrobe, and vanities.”

    Yes, those are indeed the majority. And PAs are a dime-a-dozen. I agree that these people don’t need to go to film school.

    But most above-the-line positions (those with actual creative control) are filled by people who attended school formally.

    Most successful Producers also have business or Law degrees. Most successful Directors have studied it formally. Sure, we could have gotten our information by studying Youtube videos, but most didn’t.

    And yes, a good film program provides you with plenty of hands-on experience.

    Saying categorically that film school is a “crock,” especially if you’ve never attended, is a bit rich, IMO.

    And PS: those PAs whom you sneer at, who actually went to film school, are almost certain to quickly move up in the ranks to become whatever they majored in in film school, but by all means, sneer away.

    As I said earlier, twice I believe, film school isn’t a requirement to be a good Director.

    Someone like Jolie is an exceptional person and I believe she got her education through years of focused interest and experience with some of the best Directors in the world. I look forward to seeing this film.

  172. Auds says:

    Cheyenne, then why has Angelina not fared well, award wise since Girl Interrupted?
    I’m not talking about income, even your most ‘beloved’ actress [I don’t want to even mention her name for fear of it setting you off] earns a comparable income to Jolie. I’m talking about awards.
    By rights, she should have received an award for the Changeling, but no, it goes to Kate Winslet – out of all people. Okay, Streep has received best actress awards, but Jolie only has received best supporting actress for Girl Interrupted, donkey’s years ago. But if it were between Winslet and Jolie, I would have thought Jolie would have taken the award that year, but no. Do you disagree with that?
    FYI, Jolie makes more than 15 million a movie. I’ve read elsewhere that she earns upward of 20.

  173. Auds says:

    @Runs with Scissors.
    Ah, okay. Now I get you in regard to those others.

  174. N.D. says:

    Heine, Rodriguez did went to film school actually, The Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin.

    Otherwise, you make a good point. Like in any art, in moviemaking the talent is more important than formal education.

    Whether Jolie has directing talent or not remains to be seen but I’d say based on this trailer – so far so good.

  175. N.D. says:

    @NM9005: “critism is ok since she hasn’t proved her directorial skills yet”

    Weird statement. There is nothing ok about starting criticism on her directing/writing skills before you actually see her first movie.

  176. NM9005 says:

    @Trek Girl: I just didn’t understand your need for clarification since you clearly know English. I wasn’t being condescending at all…

    ————————

    @Cheyenne: What does it matter if I criticize the trailer? It won’t stop me if I want to see the film. And I disagree, Avatar is one of the few films of that year which was based on an original script (so no franchise crap, sequel, prequel, comic adaptation…). Cameron did well. He knows film.

    ———————–
    @Pamela: You are right. Men do have the advantage and that’s a damn shame! When a woman does something, it’s always questioned. Men should be questioned too, should not get away with everything so easily. But Damon already wrote a film together with Affleck so I would give him the benefit of the doubt seeing how good the end product was =).

    ——————-

    @Julia: No, it has to do with 90% luck, being white and beautiful. So most of it depends on others, what opportunities they are willing to give. The world is full with talented people but only a few percentage get the chance to work in the industry. Look at Alba, she has no talent, yet she’s in the industry. It’s unfair but that’s the way it rolls. Look at Berry, even after her Oscar there still wasn’t much good work for a black actress. Oh and you are probably forgetting to mention that Jolie is the spawn of two actors? That she got a small role with her dad in “Looking to Get out”? That it doesn’t matter that she took the “Voight” out, people knew who she was? That Jolie gets a lot of chances because she’s beautiful (looking at her filmography, more than half of the films she played in doesn’t compliment her acting talent). She is also typecast (bad girl) most of the time. She does have talent yes, but she was born privileged. Her dad was an Oscar winning actor! He still acts! So bad example.
    And claiming she is a risk taker is true. So is EVERY actor. They all sacrifice everything for that one chance to be in a film. That’s the life of an actor, it’s a dog life. Jolie doesn’t stand out from that. And sorry, but you know that those 3 women aren’t the only women in the world who are strong. You just happen to know them because they’re famous. It’s ridiculous. They were already established in the industry so it was easier to get things made, that doesn’t mean that they are the only ones who are strong and confident enough to take those risks. Hollywood is town ruled by men. Ever heard of the casting couch? Yeah, how many actresses are A-list now and had to go through that you think (side eye to Alba)? That town doesn’t offer parts without wanting something back. Be it sex, be it money. Maybe, just maybe smart women who were waiting tables for 10, 20 years who had other dreams besides being famous were sick to death to go from one audition to the other and get offered the casting couch for a small part in the film? That takes courage, to deny getting ripped off your self-respect and choose another life path.

    Oh and sorry but read up on your history. There are women who fought for YEARS to give us the right to vote. One of the most famous actions is when an activist threw herself under the king’s horse! That is much more admirable imo. Modern women aren’t that ambitious anymore, kids want to be “famous” nowadays. And we look up to celebs even though they just have the ability to act.

    Anyway, if women are given a chance in that industry, I’m sure there would be a lot more female directors. But like a said, it’s a men’s world and some women don’t have the money to make their dreams come true and value their respect more than seeing their name in lights…

  177. NM9005 says:

    Actors/singers have massive ego’s, Jolie does too so yes, I can question her directing abilities. When a shoemaker wants to design shoes, I would also say “are you sure you can do that?”. When Madonna wanted to direct (I love her btw), I also critized her. Nowadays you have to nod “yes” to everything that gets thrown in your face. Having ideas does not equal the talent to make it into a good finishing product.

  178. lisa says:

    ^^^ You and others can question all you want. She wrote and directed a movie. NO different than Ben A, George C or countless others that ALL had to start with the FIRST..

    The thing that is not OK is to make assumptions and negative because it is HER. and that is the focus some have taken.

    Whatever. She is a talented woman, and I applaud her for trying. How ever it comes out.. She tried and that is more than many do.

    **** I love her smile.. so lovely.. And the pictures taken during the time she was filming were so nice. You could see her passion and excitement.. I can’t wait to see this.

    OH and she and Brad look adorable together..

  179. shawnamarieanne says:

    Quote: Heine:
    October 22nd, 2011 at 11:31 am
    Cheyenne: The answer is that Goree Girls has script problems and is in development hell. Pretty much everyone knows that. Whenever that script finally gets ironed out, I bet it’ll get made.

    _________

    OMG! Poor Jen! Development hell. Script problems.

    May be Jenny can sit down and re-write the script to her satisfaction, when she’s figured out how to string 2 sentences into a coherent thought.

    Oh, yeah! Jennay doesn’t need to re write the boring gal’s script. the gigolo she’s hired would be happy to throw in script writing services.
    .
    LOL!

  180. Julia says:

    @ NM9005
    No, it has to do with 90% luck, being white and beautiful.
    ——————-
    If that was the case, then every woman in Hollywood who had those would have produced the same type of work by now and there won’t be just a handfull of them.

    What you describe, countless of Hollywood women pre Jolie had it. Julia Roberts was on top of the world for a decade. Oprah Winfrey weighs 2 billions dollars and can launch her own company to make movies from pre production to delivery.

    Why didn’t they do it ? Because they were never up to the challenge, because they never had the drive, the will and didn’t feel concerned about it.

    You can be given all the luck you want, if you are not able to seize the opportunity and be up to the challenge you won’t get your product released.

    Hollywood is still a business not a philantropy industry, it doesn’t give you a pass if you don’t have the cojones to make everything in your power to bring in proffessionally made product they agree to produce and agree to sell.

    What you say applied to the like of Jody Foster and frankly I really don’t understand the criticsim. Here you have a woman who actually seized that opportunity to make a serious movie in controversial conditions but didn’t cave in, a project where she is launching the international career of other fellows unknown actresses.

    The critics should be directed to the countless of other women in Hollywood who have had and still have the power, the opportunities to do it but for some reason don’t feel concerned enough to invest their time, to engan,ged their connection and make things happening, delivering more quality material for us women and for fellow actresses.

    And yes someone like Oprah is my personal target as a black woman. She is a shame in that matter. Malcolm X was a dead project and put in the closet for the lack of money to produce it and noone wanted it, when SHE decided to intervene and make it happen. That was 20 years ago ! Don’t tell me that 20 years afterwards, her blackness and ugliness is the cause why she can’t do it again, that suddenly she doesn’t have nor the money, nor the connection to launch products such as these. She won’t even do it for TV !!!

  181. N.D. says:

    NM9005: “Actors/singers have massive ego’s, Jolie does too so yes, I can question her directing abilities. When a shoemaker wants to design shoes, I would also say “are you sure you can do that?”. When Madonna wanted to direct (I love her btw), I also critized her. Nowadays you have to nod “yes” to everything that gets thrown in your face. Having ideas does not equal the talent to make it into a good finishing product.”

    Why?! Why do you take it upon yourself to doubt other persons talents before they’ve even started? How is it a good thing to anyone? How is it logical or smart or decent thing to do?

    Ego or not, there isn’t any other way to know how good one is at something but actually doing it. Having ego doesn’t automatically mean not having a talent.

    And really there is no need to discourage anyone from following their dreams, life is tough as it is. Even for people with huge egos and tons of money as is evident from many seemingly good projects of very influential people being in perpetual limbo for years (like above mentioned Gorey Girls).

  182. NM9005 says:

    @Julia: Did you actually read further than that first sentence =)?
    90% LUCK what does that tell you? Think harder…

    ————————-

    @N.D.: Don’t sweat it girl. For me it’s a good thing. Critism is there to learn from. How many people you see on TV that have no talent at all (—> X-factor)? Where are the parents to tell them they can’t sing dance or act? Are they afraid to break their ego? It would be better to instill real values and the truth instead of ego pumping advice. Too many Western people are scared from the truth or critism, even if it is positive. You see all those people with their stubborn self-entitled personalities wanting to stomp their way into a business that’s clearly not made for them. If my child would sound like two cats screwing in alley, I would tell her/him. It’s up to the child to decide how the handle the critism, either learn the craft or stop and pursue other more realistic dreams.

    You seem like a person who would hate it when criticized and doesn’t appreciate the value of it because you firmly believe in “dreams can come true if you work hard enough for it” and “don’t listen to the negative things” oh and especially look up to people who already made it, totally forgetting what demeaning things they sometimes had to do to get there (definitely in showbusiness). And that’s simply not true. That’s the American way of thinking. Please, don’t make me laugh, the real world doesn’t work that way. It’s a sick way of tricking people into believe in the “American Dream”. For most who do actually make that jump and pursue their dreams, they turn into nightmares.
    Even Jolie had to know that when she got hooked on drugs and was mentally not in a good place for a long time.

  183. Julia says:

    @ NM9005

    I have seen it and like i said that 90 % luck goes for other women who never seize that chance because they never felt concerned and probably would have cave in facing all the setbacks such projects imply.

    Luck isn’t a privillege given only to certain actresses or great people in this world, its’ a ray of circumstances, opportunities and options we all have at some point in our own life let it be personal or professional or even healthwise.

    Certain people are able to reconginze it when it comes, see the best opportunity when it comes around, seize it and make the best out of it inspite of all the pittfalls and difficulties that go with it.

    Most of us don’t even have the faith in our own habilities to overcome hardships nor the guts nor the drive to challenge ourselves to enter the battle when we are giving the chance to upgrade and deliver greater things. We prefer the status quo and a risk free situation because it’s more comfortable and easier for us to not sirk losing what we already have than working harder, pushing doors and risking losing it for something that might be greater.

  184. NM9005 says:

    Oh and people claim here not to idolize Jolie yet looking comments there so much anti-women remarks to defend Jolie it’s really sad:

    – There are so many women who are fighting everyday to get by. Most of them have a crappy job, live in squalor all to chase their dreams in Hollyweird (as an actress, director). But if they don’t make it (like JOLIE), then the hell with them. They must be unpassionate right? Dismissing those who want to earn their place in the filmbusiness and simply don’t get the chance are labeled here as weak, unambitious…

    – As a mild feminist (still studying it), what women here are saying is degrading: implying that women aren’t strong while history has proven that we fought hard to get where we are now. Using filmbusiness as the standard for women indstead of those women. Because film > the history of women rights.

    – Jolie is put in such high superhuman regard that every woman who isn’t like her or doesn’t achieve the goals like she did, ignored their chances, were lazy, dumb, unambitious and so and so on. Are people high? I can’t believe the women here are not rampaging against those comments. Goes to show how we think of ourselves and what unrealistic expectations we have. Excuse me I’ll go stick my head in a bucket of ice to get rid of this disgusting way of thinking.

    Lastly I just want to mention that I actually like Jolie but I can see her flaws. I’m not going to ignore her bad films nor am I going to shoot her down if she makes a mistake. She is just a human that happens be famous, that’s all. People get on their high horse for nothing, critisism exist. Deal..with…it.

    Oh and: http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-women-film-directors-and-movies

    http://thescriptlab.com/features/the-lists/819-top-ten-female-filmmakers

    There are foreign female filmmakers, because the execs there maybe arent disgusting pigs who only expect body and sex? This is America, there is a price to pay if you want to be A-list.

  185. NM9005 says:

    @Julia:

    “Most of us don’t even have the faith in our own habilities…”

    Really? So all those women who are studying, graduating, having a great job whilst combining a household don’t matter? The efoort you have to put in nowadays to even get a normal job is a struggle on itself. you don’t have to look at Hollywood for hardships because life itself is hard . But that’s probably too plain and comfortable right. You have to outshine everything and everybody to be noticed?
    Oh and you see Jolie for her goodwill work right? You follow that right? Well, I think it’s really notable and brave. I commend her on that. But do you also see the women (and men) who have been living there for years? Who live there in the worst conditions day in day out? I guess you would only know if they would write a book about it. Or if they get killed and it’s get a tiny report on TV. Or the people who risk their lives when going to war areas? Doctors without Borders…? There are PLENTY of strong people out their who risk their lives yet you take Jolie as an example? Why, because you see her everyday on a blogsite?

    And luck is a privilige. Lots of young people on the street can vouch for that. I don’t know where you live but here (UK) it’s terrible and so depressing. They can’t have jobs because nobody is willing to give them a chance (diploma or not). In these day of age, luck is a privilige. As for the entertainment business, most people don’t make it. Go talk to them about luck and opportunities, see if they care after years of bullshit, false promises etc. Or better yet, read Paulo Coelho’s “The winner stands alone”. This great famous writer had to deal with Hollywood too. Read for yourself.

    Oh and go ask people who also have a lot of kids, full-time jobs and a househould to take care of, whether they would have the time and money to invest in projects they always dreamt of? Real life is just as challenging.

    I should stop argueing because it’s affecting my mood. Anyway nice discussion..

  186. pamela says:

    @172
    Auds, since you insist in beating this dead horse that Angie is “black listed” in Hollywood, my question to you is why and by whom. And please Dear God, don’t say it’s because of Jen Aniston, because TRUST ME, she dos not have the clout, nor does anyone who is anyone in HW interested in or cares about her love life or lack of. So again, why EXACTLY is Angie “blacklisted”?

    And BTW, did you ever think that KW won the award because she had lost several times before, and that she campaigned like a MF for it?

  187. Julia says:

    @ NM9005

    What are you talking about ?

    I am one of those educated women you are refering to. We work hard to reach the aim of a thousand like us. few will reach the top game, fewer will reach the very top inspite of luck.

    Every chemist, every engeneer can become one, few will thrive to become the next Bill Gates even if they have the intellectual hability, even if they are lucky.

    It needs more than luck ! It needs dedication, sacrifice, mental strength more than the average, being able to seize certain opportunities and sacrifice the rest, ect…

  188. Cheyenne says:

    @Auds: Hundreds of films get released every year. Being nominated for an Oscar is a great honor. Jolie has been nominated twice in the last five years. If she was being blacklisted by Hollywood she’d never be nominated for anything.

  189. Cheyenne says:

    @NM: Criticizing a director’s work before you’ve seen any of his/her movies is as silly as criticizing an author’s work when you’ve never read a book he or she wrote.
    __________________________________________________

    shawnamarieanne: May be Jenny can sit down and re-write the script to her satisfaction, when she’s figured out how to string 2 sentences into a coherent thought… Oh, yeah! Jennay doesn’t need to re write the boring gal’s script. the gigolo she’s hired would be happy to throw in script writing services.
    ==============================================

    ROFLMAO!! I can see her now nagging Justin to re-write her script, and blaming him if the movie tanks.

  190. Sakyiwaa says:

    @smh. I guess I’m NMH (nodding mh :-D) to you right now. Cos in the end, my argument was hardly counterproductive…cos Jolie can still make a great movie without even going to film school… As proven by your list. I guess my argument didn’t have legs to stand on… which works just fine for me as I love Jolie :-). Thanks!

    @NM9005. Wow. You’ve said so much. So… I get that you’re a critic… It irks you… the fact that people these days hate criticism…

    Funny… You oughta know it’s human nature. I hope you take it well when people doubt your every nuance…

    Anyway, I mean I thought about it and…
    If my bro wanted to go sing on X Factor, i’d prolly let him sing to me first, THEN, if he sounded like a sick toad…i’d tell him to stick to his day job. I wouldn’t doubt his abilities BEFORE I even hear him, I’d doubt his chances AFTERWARDS…

    And that’s the same courtesy I’m extending to Jolie… Whom you are criticizing and yet, in the same breath, you speak of ‘unsung female world changers’ and genuine people whose ambitions have not materialized, when it is cos there r lots of people who like to ridicule, suppress, doubt and criticize them.

    If people were always doubting everybody, some people would never take a chance… Thank goodness Jolie has a HUGE enough EGO not to listen to them.

  191. blonde on the dock says:

    To make it in Hollywood you need connections and money. Talent is way down on the list. 95% of the stuff coming out of Hollywood these days is generic crap. It’s all about appealing to the masses. That’s where the money is. Who cares about art? AJ has lots of money, connections and her career is hot right now. She can afford to take a risk. I’ll reserve judgement until the movie comes out.

  192. Sakyiwaa says:

    @smh. I guess I’m NMH (nodding mh :-D) to you right now. Cos in the end, my argument was hardly counterproductive…cos Jolie can still make a great movie without even going to film school… As proven by your list. I guess my argument didn’t have legs to stand on… which works just fine for me as I love Jolie :-). Thanks!

    @NM. So… I get that you’re a critic… It irks you… the fact that people these days hate criticism…

    Funny… You oughta know it’s human nature. I hope you take it well when people doubt your every nuance…

    Anyway, I mean I thought about it and…
    If my bro wanted to go sing on X Factor, i’d prolly let him sing to me first, THEN, if he sounded like a sick toad…i’d tell him to stick to his day job. I wouldn’t doubt his abilities BEFORE I even hear him, I’d doubt his chances AFTERWARDS…

    And that’s the same courtesy I’m extending to Jolie… Whom you are criticizing and yet, in the same breath, you speak of ‘unsung female world changers’ and genuine people whose ambitions have not materialized, when it is cos there r lots of people who like to ridicule, suppress, doubt and criticize them.

    If people were always doubting everybody, some people would never take a chance… Thank goodness Jolie has a HUGE enough EGO not to listen to them.

    Sorry for the double post. Connection problems. Shucks.

  193. Sakyiwaa says:

    @NM. I can assure Jolie is the only HW actress I admire in totality and I most certainly admire Jolie for more than her entertainment value. I also certainly admire Doctors Without Borders, Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, Jane Goodall, Christiane Amanpour, Queen Rania, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Avocats Sans Frontiers, etc. And guess what? Jolie has worked with or met with most of these people. So why would it be so far-fetched for me to admire her? Bcos she appears on gossip blogs?

    When Kaiser starts writing about Doctor W/o Borders, i’ll post my adulation on their Celebitchy threads too.

    As it stands, i have to visit the CNN and BBC blogs to do that kind of posting. And Jolie features there too btw, cos she’s legit news.

  194. NM9005 says:

    @Julia:
    “It needs more than luck ! It needs dedication, sacrifice, mental strength more than the average…”

    If you have that dedication, sacrifice… THEN you need luck, connections as somebody said here and opportunities to make it. That’s my point. Having a strong personality, heck, having the perfect personality or intelligence doesn’t guarantuee luck in life.
    Those personality traits and hard work doesn’t matter if you’re not lucky enough to get recognition for it or even to show them. I’m talking about the film business now btw.
    Hey, you should read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell if you haven’t already. It perfectly illustrates what many people try to say here about Jolie. Only it doesn’t apply to her exactly.

    ——————————
    @Sakiywaa:
    Well, I like critique. It makes me a better person. It’s good to know how others value others because sometimes people think too much of themselves (their ego doesn’t add up to their actual talent) and another person’s opinion can help put things in perspective. If you’re open too it. I had a rough time at school when I was 16. One teacher said that I was a I had potential but I was too “lazy” to reach up to it. It made me think and I ended the year with good results. I could have just said “eff off, don’t judge me…”. But I changed and I took a few chances in life. That is what I would want to learn my children too. Critique can change you if you’re willing to learn.

    If you check my first comment, I started subjective but ended on a positive note. I will never break down something completely just for the sake of it. But I’m not going to say what a wonderful trailer so the film must be wonderful too. For instance, I thought “The Reader” trailer was awesome and I ended up disliking the film. I try to stay in middle when it comes to praise…If her film is going to be good, that’s exactly what I’ll say about it, without eating my former words.

  195. NM9005 says:

    @Sakyiwaa: I admire her too, I don’t idolize her. That’s totally different. She inspired me when I was young and still does but there are many aspects of her (as most A-listers) that are just false, staged or come across as sanctimonious and I don’t believe it anymore. She is by far the biggest player in that town together with the Smits. Tight control over media is all I’m saying…but as far as her goodwill work, I’m not going to bitch about that. Even if turns out is it fake (which I highly doubt), she’s still doing good work and bringing attention to these issues.

  196. Sakyiwaa says:

    …and lastly, I’m pretty sure Jolie MAKES her own ‘LUCK’.

    People never just handed stuff to her… Pls, Jon Voight can’t take any of the credit for that. Jolie even got him a job on TOMB RAIDER I…

    Like you said, abt ten years ago, she was a druggie…now she’s an international icon.

    Boy. That must’ve been some ‘LUCK’!

  197. Heine says:

    Smh: Where did I put Jolie down? I’m not determined to put her down in the slightest. I don’t care for melodramatic films no matter who is involved. I hated the English Patient and I love Ralph Fiennes. Please show me where I put her down specifically because I was talking about the movie, not her. What ‘extreme lengths’ did I go to to criticize her?

    Runswithscissors: You basically just rephrased what I said with some nicer things about film school. I said it was basically a crock. Not categorically. And my point was that it is unnecessary to attend to succeed in the entertainment industry.

    And while PAs are a dime a dozen, those who get ahead in their chosen field were lucky and determined. They happened to talk to the right person at the right time who got along well with them enough to want them around to show them the ropes. For instance, after only 4 months of PA work, I met a second AD who now has me doing 2nd 2nd work on everything he works on. Personally, I want to be a First AD, a position that requires no schooling of any variety really. But because I happened to show an interest in AD work on that particular job, I’m further along in my career path than my PA friends who went to film school. And I’m not sneering at them, just lending some perspective. People think that film school will give them a leg up and it really doesn’t.

    The best experience to get is practical experience on real productions. The best way to learn directing, frankly, is to co-direct or shadow a director in pre- and postproduction on a real production.

    Never mentioned learning stuff by YouTube by the way, though I guess you could if you found good enough videos. Anyway, everyone knows the Internet has an overwhelming amount of information on every subject imaginable. And there are many websites to put your work on to be seen by others.

    Above the line positions are so much more than just creative control. I spoke to a really successful music video director about film school. He said it was a crock, an effing (he used the real word) waste of money and no one he knew in his 15 years directing had completed film school. I’ve asked many many directors and producers about how they got into the industry and most did not attend film school for any appreciable amount of time or not at all. Most started by making movies in their homes with their friends and happened to know someone in the industry who gave them a chance to help out.

    Now, I may sound like an idiot to you but thats ok. You don’t seem to work in the industry so frankly your opinion of me sounding like an idiot talking about an industry I’ve been around for years is a bit rich and mildly amusing. I know from my experiences speaking to ALL levels of folks in the industry that film school is wholly unnecessary, even for above the line and creative positions. Sure for some people it’s beneficial (especially writers who need to understand how to plot, story arcs and such) but like you said and agree with me about, it isn’t necessary in order to succeed.

    Did you go to film school?

  198. katyalia says:

    @ Cheyenne:
    Being nominated for an Oscar is a great honor. Jolie has been nominated twice in the last five years.
    No, she wasn’t.
    And I’m pretty sure it has been pointed out to you before, yet you keep throwing this out as if it was a fact.

  199. Cheyenne says:

    Ooops, my bad. One Oscar nomination for Changeling plus several GG and SAG nominations. Plus the Oscar she already won for “Girl Interrupted”. No, she’s not being “blacklisted” by Hollywood. 🙄

  200. pamela says:

    @195

    Good for you that you don’t “idolize” Angie, and I can assure you her many many of her fans(of which I am one) don’t. Do we admire her? YES. Do we find her fascinating, hell YES. However I find your comment that you admire her ALTHOUGH you find her “sanctimonious false and staged” rather strange. I know I wouldn’t admire someone like that, because that to me spells phony. But I suppose we see things/people differently. Right?

    Now I have a question for you. What are you going to do if Angie’s movie opens with favourable reviews, and she receives accolades as a director? How are you going to handle that?

  201. Julia says:

    Jolie was nominated at the Oscars for best actress in a leading role in 2009 for Changeling.

    She was also nominated for the same movie in :

    – The BAFTA awards,
    – the Saturn awards = Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA (she won for best lead in Changeling),
    – a BFCA award nomination = Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards
    – a Chicago Film Critics Association Awards nomination
    – an Empire Awards, UK
    – a Golden Globe nomination
    – an Irish Film and Television Awards nomination
    – a London Critics Circle Film Awards nomination
    – a Satellite award nominationa and she won it
    – a SAG
    and other awards i don’t remembered.

    As for a Mighty Heart, among awards nominations for best actress in a leading roles we have :

    – a Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards nomination
    – A Chicago Film Critics Association Awards nomination
    – an Empire Awards, UK nomination
    – A Golden Globe nomination in 2007
    – an Independent Spirit Awards nomination
    – A London Critics Circle Film Awards nomination
    – an NAACP Image Awards nomination
    – An Online Film Critics Society Awards nomination
    – a SAG nomination

    I know that some of the awards are not appreciative to american public but she still was nominated in the most prestigious ones : SAG, GG, BAFTA, NAACP and Oscar.

    And what is even more impressive is that the only two dramas she did during the past 5 years were both critically acclaimed and award nominated in many countries, not just the USA.

  202. Julia says:

    @ NM9005

    People don’t idolize her and even if they did that’s their prerogative.

    I find your take rather arrogant in that perspective. Everyone is entitiled to give the level of love they want to anyone, let it be a celebrity, a religion, a country, God even.

    I find your whole premise insulting. It’s like you have to make a point to people who appreciate her too much according your own perception since you think they idolize her, you need to tell them how they should perceive her work through your mindset and embrace your logic instead.

  203. NM9005 says:

    @Pamela: Oh hello, was I even responding to you? Nope.

    But anyway, didn’t you learn comprehensive reading in school? SOME aspects of her personality. Like when she showed off Pax or talks too much about her children’s quirks but still hammers on privacy. Riiiiight Angie, player keeps on playin’…

    http://www.glamourvanity.com/celebrities/angelina-jolie-wants-law-to-protect-celebrity-kids-from-paparazzi/

    I already anwered you question in comment nr.194:

    “…If her film is going to be good, tht’s exactly what I’ll say about it, without eating my former words.”

    I saw most of Jolie’s films and this trailer doesn’t make me want to go see it BUT it won’t stop me from seeing it either. I’m in the middle, as I am with most films. Trailers can be deceiving.

    @Julia: prizes mean nothing: Annete Benning: 0 oscars, Swank: 2. As if Swank is a better actress. How can somebody “out act” anybody by the way? I agree it can be an indicative to someone’s talent but it doens’t state as a fact that somebody is better than the other.

    Go ahead, say what you think of me. I don’t know you =).
    I think it’s more insulting to attack everybody with a different opinion and if I counter that attack with an objective take, suddenly I’m the arrogant one. I’ve been a lurker of this site for a while before I began to comment and there were always people attacked personally or told they must be a JA fan, because they say one negative word about Jolie. Not even negative, even disintrest was attacked like “can’t help it YOU are boring” just because she can fly a plane or is a goodwill ambassador or whatever they use to demean other people’s innocent remarks. Coming from mostly adults I presume, that’s plain cray cray and embarassing right there. Like she is a god. So yes, in that sense, people idolize her:

    Idolize: To regard with blind admiration or devotion; to worship

    I found it pretty disturbing so I was well prepared what would happen if I gave my opinion on her. If I say “Beyonce is padding up” on a B thread, no way are fans there going to attack me personally or even in a harsh way. But on a Jolie thread, you have to tred VERY lightly. Brangelina and Twihards have the most insane fanbase!

  204. Runs with Scissors says:

    @Heine: I feel a little bad saying this, but you don’t seem to realize how unintentionally funny your comments are.

    Especially enjoyed your “insider tips” to how to become a good Director, lol.

    It’s a bit like hearing a $5 stripper give a passionate lecture about how she could have Directed Black Swan if she’d really wanted to.

    PS. It’s doubtful that you’ll ever work on one of my sets, but just in case; I take my coffee black.

  205. N.D. says:

    @NM9005: “Don’t sweat it girl.”

    I’d rather you didn’t resort to this false familiarity when talking to me. Thank you.

    @NM9005: “How many people you see on TV that have no talent at all?”

    Still, I don’t judge their talents BEFORE I see them on TV doing whatever that is they’re aspiring to be good at. I don’t see anything useful or costructive in this preemptive criticism. When one criticises people’s efforts without actually bothering to check how they fared, they’re not being a critic they’re being a jerk.

    In this particular case saying “this trailer is badly edited” or “the scenes are poorly set/shot/written because …” is a constructive criticism. But saying “how dares she think she can be a director/writer” isn’t criticism it’s bullying.

  206. pamela says:

    @203

    So now I can only respond to your posts IF you were talking to me? Says who? Do you realize you are posting on a blog that’s open for discussion? I am going to give you some unwarranted advice again….Take a break, you will get whiplash sprinting from one thread to the other just so you can get in your its against this woman you so “admire”. I would hate to see your comments IF you didn’t “admire” her. Thank God Angie just goes on forging her path, and doesn’t give a d*mn what people on a celeb blog have to say about her.

    I am very pleased that so far, all of the reviews for the trailer for ITLOBH have been positive. You go Angie.

  207. pamela says:

    And BTW NM, Maritza Hagerty (sp) just made public that she and her husband just adopted again, snd she even gave the reasons and timeline of the adoption. And the comments here were overwhelmingly positive. I fail to see how Angie talking about Pax’s adoption, and at the same time hoping for privacy for celebs’ children is somehow contradictory, and should open her up to criticism. One should have nothing to do with the other, as she is talking about the paps loudly calling the children’s names when they are out and about. And they have a right to be out and about just like lots of other celebrity children. Surely even you can see that, and I am sure MH will agree with Angie. You are really reaching with that one, but what else can be expected from someone who obviously have an agenda. But carry on because I know the lack of logic in that will escape you.

    Oh and trying to insult me by insinuating I have a reading for comprehension problem just shows you up as the bully you are. It does not affect me in any way whatsoever, as I do quite well in my daily life, and couldn’t care less what someone on a blog thinks of my comprehension capabilities.

    Goodnight now…keep on sprinting. LOL

  208. Heine says:

    Runswithscissors: Right. I’ll get you that black coffee on your imaginary set.

    Anyway, laugh it up. Wasted money on film school then?

  209. NM9005 says:

    @N.D. Does that annoy you? My my, you’re even more amusing now.

    Yes make you’re point and then try and insult me. So you find me a jerk…I care so much I could lose my sleep over this =).
    You know what, this wasn’t at all me saying that she’s unworthy to direct. You don’t even care at this point so why bother defending my opinion =D.
    Oh and why should I care how and why you judge people? Please don’t insinuate that I like to see you lecturing me about your way of criticizing. I’d like to learn that from people who don’t obsess over one actress and who actually exist in real life instead of behind a computer screen. Thank you.

  210. Heine says:

    Runswithscissors: By the way, shouldn’t you be too busy with your hifalutin job to fart around on the Internet defending some actress all day?

    frankly, people in your ‘position’ (sure, whatever) don’t give a flying fart nugget about actors and their public personas nor what people are saying about said actors on the Internet. Know why? They are too busy furthering their own careers or too tired from working all day.

  211. Cheyenne says:

    Runs with Scissors: Especially enjoyed your “insider tips” to how to become a good Director… It’s a bit like hearing a $5 stripper give a passionate lecture about how she could have Directed Black Swan if she’d really wanted to.
    ==============================================

    Oh no you didn’t. ROTFLMBAO!!!

    Isn’t it wonderful how you can re-invent yourself an infinite number of times on the internet? She probably knows as much about the film industry as she knows about particle physics. Next thing you know she’ll be telling us Saul Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt and Adam Reiss won the Nobel Prize in physics this year because they cribbed her notes.

  212. Lia says:

    Danis Tanović is an award winning director from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    His first movie, No Man’s Land, won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2001.

    He was just interviewed at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, where he was showing his most recent movie, Cirkus Columbia.

    You can read Mr. Tanović’s translated interview at the link below.

    Danis Tanovic: Angelina Jolie is not just a star, she really understands the world

    http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jutarnji.hr%2Fdanis-tanovic–angelina-nije-samo-zvijezda–ona-zaista-razumije-svijet%2F896719%2F

  213. NM9005-Heine**Will you both just PLEASE admit to yourselves,that in fact your really pissed that Jolies trailer looks great.Just admit it-its giving you both headaches.

  214. Heine says:

    HorsepoorHanna: Will you please admit to yourself that that eye twitch is being caused by people who think the trailer looked *gasp* overwrought and melodramatic. People having differing opinions I.e. living with our heads NOT wedged up Jolie’s tush, is apparently something that is causing YOU headaches, not me.

    People are allowed to like different things. But don’t worry. You and your ilk will go to the theater in droves and snarl good reviews at the skeptics no matter how bad the movie is (The Tourist)

  215. Mr.Smurf says:

    This looks like a very good film. I would say that she walks a fine line between the characters (some people may say it’s rape just because he has power over her). She did choose this subject to draw attention to the survivors. I do hate that in the US, you don’t learn about other wars in detail besides WW2. The only thing I know about the Balkan War (correct name?) is that the Serbs raped the Bosnian women. I’m 16, turning 17 on December 19th, so I’ll probably have to wait until next year to see it.

  216. Aida says:

    Do I find the trailer interesting? Yes
    Will I be interested enough to see the film? yes

    I wonder what kind of reactions and comments will we have if we removed Angelina Jolie,director and replaced it with Speilberg, Eastwood, Polasky, et al? Will we still have the same comments? Or, are we going to come up with a more objective comments?
    Ms. JOlie is obviously a gifted artist. I am curious as to how far is her directorial talent is? The trailer is quite interesting. We sure could use more “women” directors with “women” point of views. I wish her the best of luck and am looking forward to seeing this full film. Yes, it did caught my attention. The hooked lines are intriguing.

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