Metro Man in Megamind

Brad Pitt's most recent film endeavor points to the cause of his changing star image. As the voice of Metro Man in Megamind, Brad Pitt debuts as a voice actor. In an interview with People Magazine, he says that a big motivation in his taking the role was for his kids. Family, comprised of Angelina Jolie and their six children, is his top priority. Compared with the screen shot from Inglourious Basterds, which was darker, this photo from Megamind, as a kid's movie is a lot more light-hearted. However, remnants of Brad Pitt's previous star image as a masculine sex symbol is still present. Playing a superhero, Brad Pitt's cartoon character is very muscular and strong. He also has a rakish attitude, with one raised eyebrow and a wide smile. His body positioning is also pretty carefree and cool, being positioned to one side. Below is a picture from the Paris premiere of Megamind, featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as they greet fans and paparazzi. This photo once again highlights the priorities of the new Brad Pitt: family.

Lt. Aldo Raines in Inglourious Basterds

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds was another step in a different direction for Brad Pitt and his star image. As seen in the screen shot to the left, the overall tone of this photo is dark. With browns, grays and dark greens making up the color palette, this screen shot differs from a lot of the lighter screen shots from earlier in Brad Pitt's career. Similarly to his close-up from Babel, Brad Pitt looks to the side; this time, with a quizzical look upon his face. Brad Pitt's body position gives an intense feel, while seeming to be relaxed, as he holds a bottle of beer in his left hand. Once again, he is more covered up in this screen shot, focusing the viewer's gaze on his face rather than his abs. Even while dressed in a costume, Brad Pitt makes a statement in this screen shot. He has definitely shed his previous sex symbol star image and replaced it with that of a serious actor, with a hint of chill, as portrayed in the semi-smirk on his face and the beer bottle in hand.

Benjamin Button in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Looking at Brad’s costume in this screen shot from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, he is wearing a brown, worn leather jacket, conveying an edgy and young radical vibe. He also dons a lighter brown scarf tied around his neck, which helps to mute the effect of the leather jacket, reminding the viewers of Brad’s current maturity. Brad’s dark Aviator glasses add a dash of sexy mystery to his image, prompting viewers to wonder what he is thinking and looking at. His hair, which is not as long as it has been in previous movie appearances and doesn’t seem to be tousled though riding at high speeds, and clean-shaven face also hints at Brad’s maturity and developing mellowness.

With the background blurring quickly behind him, lending a sense of the speed at which Brad is riding his motorcycle, and with the fact that Brad is not looking straight ahead and concentrating on driving, but rather is looking to the side, viewers can catch a glimpse of his adventuresome spirit. This subtle positioning lends to Brad’s rebellious image. However, Brad’s posture sends a kind of opposite feel. Instead of bending over his motorcycle, Brad takes a more relaxed and only slightly hunched position, conveying an almost apathetic feel. The fact that Brad is only driving the motorcycle with one hand also lends itself to both images, as it can be interpreted as being a rebellious move, but also a chill and almost uninterested sense.

Rusty Ryan in Ocean's 11, 12 and 13

Before Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Brad Pitt appeared in both Ocean's 11 and Ocean's 12, with screen shots seen to the left. In both of these screen shots, Brad Pitt gives off a very relaxed and chill vibe. His sunglasses add to the relaxed air. In both screen shots, his lips are slightly pursed, sending a message similar to that from his screen shots in movies like Legends of the Fall and Fight Club. He seems to be cool and intense, but with a slight smile, ready for fun. The screen shot below is from Ocean's 13, which was filmed after Angelina Jolie. Subtle differences can be noticed between the two time periods. Before Angelina, Brad Pitt's shirt is unbuttoned more, drawing the viewer's eye to his skin. In the screen shot from Ocean's 13, Brad Pitt has darker hair, reflecting a more mature and less casual look. He also has replaced the light gray blazer for an olive green, again seeming more casual. In the screen shot below, rather than pursing his lips, Brad Pitt wears a smile. He seems to be more comfortable with himself, not trying too hard to impress.

Richard Jones in Babel

When searching for a screen shot from Brad Pitt's performance as Richard Jones in Babel, the options almost entirely consisted of shots that focused on Brad Pitt's face, rather than his body, as was easy to find in pre-Angelina films. Babel marks the first film Brad appears in after Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The fact that almost all of the screen shots are close-ups of his face reflect Brad Pitt's changing star image. Rather than being known and admired for his body, he strives to be respected for his acting ability. This screen shot reflects that desire as Brad Pitt's expression is very serious. By looking off to the side with a sullen look on his face, Brad Pitt adds to a somber feel in the screen shot. Viewers, rather than being distracted by his body as in screen shots from previous films focus on the emotion expressed. The overall feel of this screen shot also reflects his somber attitude as the background is a neutral color and he is clothed in gray. Even the gray in his hair lends a blah feel. While in previous screen shots, Brad Pitt was seen as adventurous, young and wild, Brad Pitt's beard in this screen shot instead makes him seem haggard and exhausted. Brad Pitt is maturing.

John Smith in Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Smith marked a turning point in Brad Pitt's star image. It marked his introduction to Angelina Jolie. This led to a lot of scandal as Brad Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston at the time, but as we now know that marriage ended in a divorce and Brad Pitt is now raising seven children with Ms. Jolie. In this screen shot, Brad Pitt's maturing star image can already start to be seen. He still portrays a sexy spy, but in this screen shot, the focus is not on Pitt's body as in screen shots from previous films. Although almost the same amount of skin is exposed as in the screen shot from Troy, the result is less provocative. Brad Pitt does not even necessarily have the same charisma as he commanded in previous screen shots. Instead, he is beginning to share the spotlight with another, with the viewer's eyes drawn to the color contrast in Jolie's red rain boots. Brad Pitt's expression is also less intense in this screen shot. With a look of bewilderment on his face and his hand raised to his head, Brad's body positioning sends a more confused sense. However, the rubble and debris in the background still lend a sense of chaotic adventure to the image, which aligns more with Pitt's old star image.

Achilles in Troy

Once again, results of googling Brad Pitt and Troy mainly include sites revolving around how to get a body like his in the movie. This constant focus on Brad Pitt's body supports the fact that his star image was built mainly on his sex appeal. In his armor costume for Troy, Brad Pitt is more covered up than in previous screen shots from movies like Thelma and Louise and Fight Club, but his sex appeal and the emphasis on his body is still strong. By revealing more arms and legs, rather than abs, Brad Pitt's sexy star image continues to grow. In this screen shot, Brad Pitt is poised for battle, crouching with a sword in one hand and a giant shield on his back. This positioning emphasizes his intensity, kind of daring anyone to challenge his masculinity. Even in elaborate costume in a movie that was nominated for an Oscar for its costume design, Brad Pitt develops a young star image that goes beyond the costume. He is not hampered by the costume, but pushes through to maintain his young and sexy image.