Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most renowned actresses, has graced the silver screen in numerous iconic roles. But in 2014, she took on a transformative role in the live-action film Maleficent, where she portrayed the classic Disney villain Maleficent, who was originally introduced in the animated movie Sleeping Beauty. The film, directed by Robert Stromberg, explored Maleficent’s backstory, giving a fresh and empathetic perspective on the character. While Jolie’s portrayal of the dark fairy was undoubtedly the highlight, the film also featured her daughter, who played a key role in the story.
This article delves into the involvement of Angelina Jolie’s daughter in Maleficent and explores how she made her mark on the film. Let’s take a closer look at which of Angelina Jolie’s children appeared in Maleficent, how she contributed to the film, and how her presence on-screen added depth to the magical world created by Disney.
Angelina Jolie’s Children: A Brief Introduction
Angelina Jolie, who is also a humanitarian, has six children, three of whom are adopted and three biological. Her children, Maddox Chivan, Pax Thien, Zahara Marley, Shiloh Nouvel, and twins Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Léon, have all been part of the public eye in various ways, thanks to their famous mother. Jolie’s children, many of whom have grown up in the spotlight, have often been part of red carpet events and media appearances. However, only one of them made a notable appearance in Maleficent.
Jolie has always emphasized the importance of family in her life, and her children have often shared in her professional experiences. In Maleficent, Jolie’s personal connection to the cast becomes even more apparent with the involvement of one of her children in a pivotal role. But who was the lucky child who got to share the screen with her in such a high-profile movie?
Who Was The Daughter of Angelina Jolie in Maleficent?
The daughter of Angelina Jolie who appeared in Maleficent was Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the youngest of Jolie’s biological children. Born in 2008, Vivienne is one of the twins Jolie shares with her ex-husband Brad Pitt. Vivienne, alongside her twin brother Knox, became part of one of the most famous families in Hollywood.
In Maleficent, Vivienne played the role of a young Princess Aurora, the daughter of King Stefan and Queen Leah, and the object of Maleficent’s curse. Aurora is a central character in Maleficent’s storyline, and as such, the casting of the young Aurora was crucial to the development of the film. Vivienne, at the time only five years old, was chosen to play the role of the young princess in the film’s opening scenes.
Why Did Angelina Jolie Choose Vivienne for the Role?
Many people were surprised when it was revealed that Vivienne would be appearing in Maleficent, considering the young starlet’s tender age. So, why did Angelina Jolie choose Vivienne to play the part of young Aurora? The reason behind this decision was both personal and practical.
First and foremost, Vivienne’s role as the young Princess Aurora was rather small, and the film required a child who could handle the scenes with minimal experience. Angelina Jolie explained that Vivienne was chosen because she was the only child who wasn’t afraid of her mother in costume as Maleficent. Other children who were auditioned were frightened by Jolie’s elaborate costume and makeup, but Vivienne, being accustomed to her mother’s eccentric look in real life, had no fear and was able to portray the young princess with ease.
Jolie also mentioned that Vivienne had an affinity for acting, and the experience of working together on set was special for both of them.
Jolie’s choice to cast Vivienne was also a way of ensuring that her daughter could be part of a film that had a personal connection to her as a mother. After all, Maleficent was not only an iconic film for Disney, but it was also an important moment in Jolie’s career. Casting her daughter allowed them to share the experience in a unique way.
Vivienne’s Role as Young Aurora
In Maleficent, Vivienne’s character is introduced as the young Princess Aurora, who is cursed by Maleficent. At the beginning of the film, Aurora is shown as an innocent child, unaware of the dark curse placed upon her by the evil fairy Maleficent. The curse, which would cause Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an eternal sleep, is central to the plot of Maleficent and the catalyst for Maleficent’s transformation from villain to anti-hero.
Vivienne’s portrayal of young Aurora is brief but poignant. Her character’s innocence and beauty are captured in her short screen time, and she is seen in several key moments of the film’s opening scenes, interacting with Maleficent. One of the most memorable aspects of Vivienne’s role is her ability to convey the purity and vulnerability of Princess Aurora, despite her limited experience on screen. Vivienne’s perfor
mance set the stage for the adult version of Aurora, played by Elle Fanning, to step into the character with grace and poise.
How Did Vivienne’s Performance Affect the Film?
Although Vivienne’s role was small, her presence in Maleficent was important for several reasons. As a child actor, her performance demonstrated the ability of young actors to create an emotional connection with the audience, even in the briefest of moments. Vivienne was able to portray the innocence and purity of Aurora in a way that helped to deepen the film’s emotional impact.
The choice to cast Vivienne also added an extra layer of authenticity to the mother-daughter dynamic portrayed on screen. Watching Jolie interact with her daughter in those opening scenes, it was clear that their bond translated seamlessly into their on-screen performances. Vivienne’s portrayal of Aurora helped to create a stronger sense of family and connection within the movie, further emphasizing the idea that love and familial bonds play a central role in the story.
The Influence of Vivienne’s Appearance on the Film’s Reception
While Vivienne’s role as young Aurora was brief, it undoubtedly contributed to the overall reception of Maleficent. Audiences were captivated by the performances of both Jolie and Fanning, and the appearance of a real-life mother and daughter on screen only added to the emotional depth of the film. The film’s ability to explore the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in a fairy-tale context was enriched by the subtlety and sincerity brought by Vivienne’s performance.
In addition, the decision to cast Vivienne was a rare behind-the-scenes insight into Jolie’s personal life, which made headlines in the media. As a result, Maleficent gained even more attention, not just because of its storytelling and visuals, but because it allowed fans a glimpse of Jolie’s family life and how her children were integrated into her work.
Vivienne’s Career After Maleficent
After her debut in Maleficent, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, like many celebrity children, remained mostly out of the public eye. While she has had brief moments of public attention, such as accompanying her mother to various events, Vivienne has not pursued an acting career in the same way that some other celebrity children have.
Nonetheless, her appearance in Maleficent remains a notable moment in her young life, and her acting debut, though brief, will likely be remembered by fans of the film for years to come. It is not uncommon for children of famous actors to follow in their parents’ footsteps, but Vivienne has seemed to enjoy a more private life, away from the limelight.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt made her acting debut in Maleficent as the young Princess Aurora, a role that, while brief, was significant for both the film and her family. Vivienne’s appearance in the film not only brought an extra layer of authenticity to the portrayal of the fairy-tale character but also allowed audiences to witness a personal moment between mother and daughter.
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