Angelina Jolie Shares Her Connection to Cambodia
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Synopsis
Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie reflects on a pivotal film that inspired her to consider Cambodia as her home. During a festival event, she reveals the near-miss of declining the opportunity and the deep bond she formed with the country through her family.
Key Takeaways
- Angelina Jolie considers Cambodia her home.
- She almost turned down the role in Tomb Raider.
- Her first trip to Cambodia was for filming.
- Adopted her first child, Maddox, from Cambodia.
- The film is based on Loung Ung's memoir about the Khmer Rouge.
Los Angeles, Feb 7 (NationPress) Renowned actress Angelina Jolie has shared her thoughts on a transformative film that made her regard Cambodia as her home, revealing that she nearly declined the opportunity.
The 49-year-old actress was inquired about her sense of home during a discussion regarding her career at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where she was honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award, according to reports from people.com.
“In my heart, Cambodia. My initial visit was for Tomb Raider, where you can see me hanging upside down (in the clip),” Jolie stated.
She elaborated on how her life trajectory could have been drastically different had she not embraced certain opportunities, including the 2001 hit film “Tomb Raider,” which was inspired by the popular video game.
“I gained valuable insights about life. I reflect on my life and the numerous experiences I nearly missed, which could have altered my path. I initially turned down Tomb Raider when first approached,” she shared.
When questioned about her decision to portray Lara Croft in the movie, Jolie mentioned that the thrilling adventures promised influenced her choice.
“They told me, ‘You can explore the world and train with the British military.’ I replied, ‘I will wear the shorts for the first five minutes, and then never again.’ And that's exactly how it went,” she recounted.
Although Tomb Raider introduced her to Cambodia, the Oscar-winning actress developed a profound bond with the nation after adopting her first child, Maddox, a year post the film's release.
Maddox mentioned to people.com in 2017 that he assisted on the film whenever possible, whether by participating in meetings, preparing for shoots, or reviewing dailies.
The film, directed by Jolie, is adapted from her friend Loung Ung’s memoir about enduring the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia.
Alongside Maddox, Jolie is a mother to Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, 16, with her ex-husband and fellow Hollywood star Brad Pitt.
