Angelina Jolie’s first film is often overlooked: Lookin’ to Get Out, released in 1982. This Hal Ashby-directed comedy, featuring Jolie alongside her father Jon Voight, stands as both her debut and, arguably, her least discussed project, buried under the weight of her later, more prominent roles.
A Glimpse into Jolie’s Early Years
While Angelina Jolie is now synonymous with blockbuster action and compelling dramatic roles, her foray into Hollywood began humbly with Lookin’ to Get Out. The film itself is a quirky comedy about Alex Kovac (Voight) and his friend Jerry (Burt Young) who escape to Las Vegas after racking up gambling debts in New York. Jolie, credited as “Angelina Jolie Voight,” plays a minor role as Voight’s daughter, Tosh.
Her appearance is brief, almost fleeting. However, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the childhood of a future superstar. This film offers no grand acting displays or star-making moments; it’s a simple, early exposure to the film set. The scarcity of discussion around Lookin’ to Get Out speaks to its limited commercial success and the overwhelming shadow cast by Jolie’s subsequent, much more celebrated work.
Why the Obscurity?
Several factors contribute to Lookin’ to Get Out‘s relative obscurity. The film itself wasn’t a major commercial success, receiving mixed reviews upon its release. Furthermore, Angelina Jolie’s role was extremely small. She was just a child, making it difficult to assess any future potential based on her performance.
The focus inevitably shifted to Jon Voight, a well-established actor at the time. As Jolie’s career skyrocketed, her early appearance in a relatively unsuccessful film became a footnote, easily overshadowed by projects like Gia, Girl, Interrupted, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. The film’s availability has also been limited over the years, further contributing to its lack of widespread recognition.
The Limited Availability Factor
Unlike many of Jolie’s later films, Lookin’ to Get Out isn’t readily available on streaming platforms or easily accessible for purchase. This limited access significantly impacts its discoverability for both general audiences and dedicated Jolie fans. Copyright issues and the perceived lack of commercial value might also contribute to its restricted distribution.
Jon Voight’s Star Power vs. Jolie’s Nascent Talent
In 1982, Jon Voight was the established star, drawing the initial attention to the project. Angelina Jolie, a child at the time, understandably remained in the background. The film functioned more as a vehicle for Voight’s performance than a showcase for potential rising talent, which inadvertently relegated Jolie’s appearance to a mere curiosity in retrospect.
Lookin’ to Get Out in Context: A Stepping Stone?
While Lookin’ to Get Out may not have been a career-defining moment, it undeniably provided Angelina Jolie with early exposure to the filmmaking process. This experience, however small, likely contributed to her later decision to pursue acting professionally. It’s a foundational brick, perhaps unnoticed, in the building of a formidable Hollywood career.
Whether it directly influenced her acting trajectory remains open to speculation, but its historical significance as her debut cannot be denied. It’s a valuable piece of Angelina Jolie’s personal and professional history, offering a rare glimpse into her early years and a contrasting perspective to her later, highly publicized life.
FAQs: Unveiling the Secrets of Lookin’ to Get Out
Here are some frequently asked questions about Angelina Jolie’s first film, Lookin’ to Get Out:
FAQ 1: What is Angelina Jolie’s role in Lookin’ to Get Out?
Jolie plays Tosh Kovac, the daughter of Alex Kovac, played by her real-life father, Jon Voight. It’s a small, non-speaking role that primarily involves observing the adult characters.
FAQ 2: When was Lookin’ to Get Out released?
The film was initially released in 1982 but faced distribution challenges and a somewhat limited theatrical run.
FAQ 3: Who directed Lookin’ to Get Out?
The film was directed by Hal Ashby, known for his work on films like Harold and Maude and Coming Home.
FAQ 4: How old was Angelina Jolie when she filmed Lookin’ to Get Out?
Angelina Jolie was approximately seven years old during the filming of Lookin’ to Get Out.
FAQ 5: Is Lookin’ to Get Out available on DVD or Blu-ray?
Availability varies, and physical copies are relatively rare. Check online retailers for used versions. It is not reliably available on major streaming platforms.
FAQ 6: Did Angelina Jolie speak any lines in Lookin’ to Get Out?
Angelina Jolie’s character in Lookin’ to Get Out does not have any spoken lines.
FAQ 7: What is Lookin’ to Get Out about?
The film centers on two gamblers, Alex and Jerry, who flee New York for Las Vegas after accumulating substantial gambling debts. They encounter various eccentric characters and schemes while trying to stay one step ahead of their creditors.
FAQ 8: What are the critical reviews of Lookin’ to Get Out like?
The film received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its quirky humor and performances, while others found it uneven and lacking in focus.
FAQ 9: Does Jon Voight have a major role in Lookin’ to Get Out?
Yes, Jon Voight plays the lead role of Alex Kovac, the central character around whom the story revolves.
FAQ 10: Why is Lookin’ to Get Out considered Angelina Jolie’s least discussed film?
Primarily due to its limited success, the small size of Jolie’s role, and the vast contrast with her subsequent high-profile roles and films that dominated discussion in later years. Jolie’s later work overshadowed her early beginnings.
FAQ 11: Does Angelina Jolie ever discuss Lookin’ to Get Out in interviews?
Jolie rarely discusses Lookin’ to Get Out in interviews. She has mentioned working with her father at a young age, but the specific film is seldom highlighted.
FAQ 12: Is Lookin’ to Get Out worth watching for Angelina Jolie fans?
While it’s not a showcase for her acting talent, Lookin’ to Get Out offers a curious glimpse into Angelina Jolie’s childhood and her early exposure to the world of filmmaking. Fans interested in tracing her complete career trajectory might find it worthwhile. It provides a historical context to her rise to superstardom.