An Intro

Many words come to mind when “Brad Pitt” is spoken, including Angelina, humanitarian, lots of kids, good-looking, and maybe even Jennifer Aniston. These words have evolved over time. Just a few years ago, some of the words that would have come to mind included handsome, personable, J.D. in Thelma and Louise, sexy, and blonde. Brad’s changing and maturing image is noticeable, not only in the tabloids, but also in his character choices. Some could argue that this change is due to Brad Pitt’s age, his desire to be regarded for his acting skill rather than his body, or a shift toward impersonation-based performance. However, while these arguments are possible explanations, I find it interesting that the change in character choice seems to start after his role in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and the start of his relationship with Angelina Jolie. While it is true that Brad Pitt is getting older and maturing in his acting, the fact that there is such an abrupt change rather than a gradual one lends evidence for the fact that an abrupt change in his life, the addition of Angelina, was the main player in the difference. Now known as a family man, Brad Pitt’s growth from a sex symbol and rebel to a mature and sensitive father is evident in a comparison of pictures from his filmography released before and after his relationship with Angelina Jolie.

In his book "Stars", Richard Dyer points out the fact that "the roles and/or the performance of a star in a film were taken as revealing the personality of the star" (20). Although stars are obviously not defined by the characters they play, they do have a large say in the portrayal of the character, especially today, when stars are constantly collaborating with directors and films are a result of multiple people's input. As stars portray different characters, in addition to developing their character's image, they also are adding to their own star image, defined by Dyer as "constructed personages in media texts" (97). The key word in this definition is constructed as it implies that this image is built; a star's image is a result of work and deliberation, and part of that work and deliberation is the star's choice in character. Brad Pitt's choices of characters pre- and post- Angelina reflect his evolving and maturing star image.

See "Links" page for Works Cited.