The movie that significantly propelled Angelina Jolie to global fame was Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).
The Breakthrough Role: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Angelina Jolie achieved widespread recognition and cemented her status as a global star with her portrayal of the eponymous archaeologist in the 2001 action film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. This role was pivotal in establishing her as a leading action heroine in Hollywood.
The film was based on the highly popular Tomb Raider video game series, bringing the iconic character of Lara Croft to the big screen. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the movie was a commercial success, particularly notable for its impressive box office performance. It garnered the biggest opening weekend for a film featuring an action heroine at the time, underscoring Jolie's burgeoning star power and the audience's enthusiasm for her embodiment of the adventurous protagonist.
Key Aspects of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider's Impact
- Global Recognition: The role provided Angelina Jolie with worldwide recognition, transcending her previous acclaimed but less commercially dominant performances.
- Action Heroine Status: It solidified her image as a formidable and capable action star, opening doors for subsequent roles in high-octane films.
- Commercial Success: Despite critical reception, its box office performance, especially its record-breaking opening weekend for an action heroine film, demonstrated her ability to draw a large audience.
Beyond Tomb Raider
While Angelina Jolie had already garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award for her role in Girl, Interrupted (1999), it was her performance as Lara Croft that catapulted her into the mainstream consciousness and made her a household name across the globe. This movie was instrumental in defining her celebrity status and setting the trajectory for her subsequent blockbuster career.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Jolie's Role | Lara Croft (eponymous archaeologist) |
| Source Material | Tomb Raider video game series |
| Box Office Notability | Biggest opening weekend for an action heroine film |
| Critical Reception | Negative reviews |
