Angelina Jolie’s recent gesture at the Venice Film Festival, where she met a fan with ALS, sparked mixed reactions online. While Jolie’s actions were intended as a compassionate gesture, some critics accused her of staging the moment for publicity.
The encounter, where Jolie knelt down in a champagne-hued gown to speak with the bed-ridden fan, was intended to showcase her support and empathy. However, several netizens questioned the authenticity of the moment, suggesting it might have been orchestrated for the cameras. Some felt it would have been more genuine if Jolie had visited the fan privately, without media attention.
However, it did not go down well with several netizens, who went on the comment section and said that it was all “for the cameras.”
A user said: “I feel this is inappropriate.”
“She thinks she is Mother Teresa,” said another.
One questioned: “Did she stage this ? or is it real?”
A netizen simply said: “All for the cameras.”
One said that the actress could have just “went to the person’s home and did this without the cameras around I guess it’s innocent Angelina Jolie.”
Another added: “She should’ve gone to see him. That’s way too much.”
On the red carpet, Jolie dazzled in a couture gown by Tamara Ralph, featuring draped detailing, a short train, and a fluffy faux-fur stole, complemented by a bold red lip and smoky eyes. Her appearance was part of the promotion for her upcoming film, “Maria,” a biopic about opera singer Maria Callas directed by Pablo Larraín.
Despite the criticism, Jolie’s involvement in the project and her public engagement reflect her continued commitment to both her acting career and humanitarian efforts.
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Recently Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas in “Maria” is deeply personal and meaningful for her. Speaking to The Associated Press ahead of the film’s premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, Jolie expressed a profound connection to Callas, saying she felt privileged to “get to know this woman” and to embody her for a moment. “I think I’ll carry that like a friend,” Jolie said, highlighting the emotional impact of the role.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, “Maria” delves into the final week of Callas’s life in 1977, focusing on her isolation in Paris and the struggles she faced with her health, diminishing voice, and the impact of her public life. Larraín, known for his biographical portrayals of iconic women, previously directed Natalie Portman in “Jackie” and Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.” “Maria” completes a trilogy of films exploring the lives of famous women with tragic narratives.
Jolie’s preparation for the role involved extensive training over seven months, blending her performance with actual recordings of Callas. The actress described the experience as the “hardest thing” she’s ever done, reflecting on her initial fear and the intimacy of working with a small crew before transitioning to larger venues like La Scala.
On the red carpet, Jolie made a striking impression in a golden Tom Ford kaftan, later changing into a sleek black dress for the press conference. She was hesitant to draw direct comparisons between the fame of Callas’s era and today, noting the unique challenges faced by both periods.
Jolie also mentioned feeling a personal connection to Callas’s vulnerability and softness, aspects she believes they share. Her portrayal aims to bring a deeper understanding of Callas’s private struggles beyond her public persona, revealing the complexities of a woman who was both celebrated and scrutinized during her life.
