When it comes to female action stars in Hollywood, one name reigns supreme: Angelina Jolie. This talented actress has made a name for herself as the queen of action in the industry, starring in a wide range of thrilling movies throughout her career.
Not only is she known for her beauty, but also for her strong and courageous personality, which shines through in her action-packed films. What sets Jolie apart from many others is her willingness to perform dangerous stunts without relying on body doubles.
Angelina Jolie’s Thrilling Performance in “Salt”
One movie that showcased Jolie’s fearlessness was “Salt” in 2010, where she portrayed Evelyn Salt, a woman accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. To prove her innocence, Salt goes on the run, leading to numerous chase and action scenes.
Astonishingly, Jolie insisted on performing most of her own stunts, including a jaw-dropping sequence where she had to escape from pursuers by leaping from a bridge onto a moving truck, then jumping from truck to truck. Finally, she made a daring escape on a stolen motorcycle.
It’s important to note that Jolie had the option of using stunt doubles, but she chose to take on the challenges herself. She dedicated herself to rigorous training and practice to ensure she was fully prepared to shoot these demanding scenes.
Stunt coordinator Simon Crane praised Jolie’s fearlessness, stating, “[Jolie is] absolutely fearless when it comes to high places. … You can use her confidence with heights to put her in all kinds of dicey situations and know that she’s going to be convincing pulling it off.” This bravery paid off, as “Salt” became an international success, grossing an impressive $293 million worldwide.
Fearless from the Start: “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”
“Salt” was not the first time Jolie took on action-packed roles and performed her own stunts. She has been pushing boundaries for years. In fact, her first major action film was “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” where she portrayed the iconic video game character. During the filming, Jolie endured numerous bruises from the physically demanding action scenes.
Director Simon West shared his admiration for Jolie’s fearless approach, saying, “Angelina was doing triple backflips on the set. She was doing bungee jumps from 50 feet in the air. She was laughing while her stunt doubles clung to their safety ropes.
In one scene where Lara surfs through the air on a thin log, her stunt double refused to do it. Angie simply said, ‘No problem.’ Within a week, she was exclaiming, ‘I love it! Let’s go again!'”
Angelina Jolie’s Action-Packed Filmography
Aside from “Salt” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Jolie has starred in several other adrenaline-fueled movies, including “The Tourist,” “Wanted,” and many more. Fans can look forward to her upcoming project as she lends her voice to “Kung Fu Panda 4,” set to release in 2024.
Angelina Jolie has truly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the action genre, surpassing many of her male counterparts.
Her dedication, fearlessness, and sheer talent continue to captivate audiences around the world. As Hollywood’s action queen, Jolie has proven time and time again that she can hold her own and dominate the screen in any high-octane adventure.
