Angelina Jolie’s Boldest Movie Role: Why She Took on ‘Everything That I Hate’—And What Happened Next!

Angelina Jolie has become one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood, known for her diverse roles, humanitarian efforts, and being a prominent figure in both action-packed blockbusters and dramatic films. From Tomb Raider to Maleficent and even her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jolie’s career has been marked by successful business choices and acclaimed performances. But there’s one film in her filmography that stands out as a bold departure from her usual roles, one she took on to prove a point—Life or Something Like It (2002).

Taking a Risk with Comedy

In the early 2000s, after establishing herself as a major action star and winning an Academy Award for Girl, Interrupted in 2000, Jolie was at the height of her career. Yet in 2002, she made an unexpected choice to star in the romantic comedy Life or Something Like It, a film about a self-centered reporter named Lanie Kerrigan, played by Jolie, who is convinced by a prophet that she has only a short time to live. Determined to make her final days count, Lanie embarks on a journey of self-improvement, facing her flaws and trying to bring meaning to her life.

This was the first time Jolie ventured into the world of comedy, and in an interview with Style magazine, she offered insight into why she took on such an unexpected role. One reason was her desire to prove she could make people laugh—something that had been doubted by others. Another reason was her belief in the film’s message, a typical answer in Hollywood, but the third reason revealed much more about her character choice.

“Lanie’s Everything That I Hate”

Jolie admitted that her character, Lanie, was “everything that I hate.” Lanie was “false in many ways” and became more flamboyant and determined in her quest for self-improvement as things in her life went awry. According to Jolie, Lanie’s outwardly confident persona masked a deep internal struggle, and she hoped the audience would “love to hate her.” The film’s central transformation shows Lanie making amends with a former lover and realizing the importance of prioritizing the right things in life—a predictably saccharine plot.

At this stage in her career, Jolie had already cemented her status as a leading action star, having headlined Lara Croft: Tomb Raider the year before, but she had also won critical acclaim. After receiving an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Girl, Interrupted, Jolie had achieved the pinnacle of Hollywood recognition. Yet, despite this success, she chose to take a risk in Life or Something Like It, a movie that pushed her into a genre outside of her usual wheelhouse. This decision demonstrated both courage and an eagerness to challenge herself as an actress, even if the role was not expected to be a surefire hit.

The Critical Response and Box Office Struggles

Unfortunately, the critical reception of Life or Something Like It was far from favorable. The film’s predictable plot, clichéd script, and over-the-top performances from its cast (including Tony Shalhoub and Stockard Channing) led to a round of scathing reviews. Jolie, known for her more dramatic roles, was not immune to criticism and received her second Golden Raspberry nomination for Worst Actress—a title she would go on to receive four times throughout her career.

In addition to the critical backlash, the film failed to make any significant impact at the box office, leaving it a commercial flop. Despite the fact that Jolie had already been solidified as a major star in Hollywood, Life or Something Like It did not resonate with audiences, and its lack of success only served to confirm the risks she had taken with the role.

A One-Time Comedy Experiment

In the years following Life or Something Like It, Jolie continued to explore a range of genres, but she never took on another conventional comedy role again. It’s unclear whether the experience of working on the film turned her off the idea of comedy permanently, or if the opportunity simply never arose. However, looking back on her career, Jolie can proudly say she took a chance and explored a new genre, even if it didn’t pan out as expected.

Despite Life or Something Like It‘s failure, Jolie’s willingness to challenge herself remains a testament to her dedication as an actress. She took a risk, and while it didn’t pay off commercially or critically, it’s a part of her career that demonstrates her refusal to be pigeonholed into one genre. Jolie has since become an even more celebrated figure, balancing her work in film with her humanitarian efforts, but Life or Something Like It remains an interesting chapter in her extensive career—a bold, albeit flawed, experiment that she undertook to prove a point.