MTV’s interview with Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood

MTV has a great interview with Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood about Changeling, working together, fame, and more.

For those of you who sometimes have trouble getting video to work, check out the full transcript at the MTV site, but here are a few highlights:

MTV: Angelina, you’re no stranger to difficult roles. Was it an easy sell to go down another difficult road on something like this?

Jolie: No. Reading the script made me want to stay away from it as far as possible, because I didn’t want to think about anything happening to my children. I didn’t want to have those scenes. But I couldn’t forget it. I found myself telling people the story of the script. And obviously the chance to work with [Eastwood] was something I always wanted. I guessed, and I guessed right that he would help me through this.

MTV: Both of you have experienced such a huge measure of fame, I wonder if you feel like it’s ever gotten in the way of your work.

Eastwood: I think when you’re younger and you’re starting out, you spend a lot more time thinking about how you’re going to get to a certain place emotionally. I think in this stage of life, I figure I’ll just let it happen. You’re not as conscious of outside distractions. And you get to my age and you think, “What the hell are they going to do to you? There it is, if you like it. If not, I’m sorry to disappoint you.” The mechanism is the same for everybody, whether you’re trying to find something similar in your life to relate to or if you’re just standing there telling the truth, [James] Cagney-style. Everybody has their technique. Whatever works.

MTV: What about you, Angelina? Have you figured out how fame cannot get in the way of your life and work?

Jolie: I’ve figured out how not to have it be a part of my life. I have a big busy family. I’m a mom and a lot of other things in my life. And I’m an actor, and I love telling stories and I like expressing emotion to try to connect with other people. With this story, I’m so curious to hear other mothers’ reactions. I think it’s a film that many people can relate to.

MTV: Is it harder for you to watch yourself in these extreme situations in this film, or is it harder for Brad [Pitt]?

Jolie: I never like to watch myself ever. I still haven’t seen “Wanted.” I heard it was fun. I feel like I did something right if I can watch something and feel removed enough. I can watch this movie. I’m proud of this. I think it’s a really beautiful film. You’d have to ask Brad, but I think he likes this one.

I love the way she mentioned that she’s too busy with her family and other important factors in her life to really think about the fame side. That’s a great way to ignore all the garbage in the tabloids.

Meanwhile she wants to know what mothers think of Changeling. I’ll have to go see it on opening night – you never know when she might decide to get over her technophobia and read PittWatch! (Kidding!)