Why Does Angelina Jolie Look Like Lara Croft? Unveiling the Transformation

Angelina Jolie doesn’t just look like Lara Croft; for a generation, she is Lara Croft. But the connection goes beyond just casting. The truth is a potent cocktail of physical resemblance, dedicated physical training, skillful makeup artistry, expertly crafted costume design, and Jolie’s own powerful performance choices that all coalesced to create a cinematic icon. It wasn’t simply that Jolie naturally resembled the video game character, but rather that her inherent qualities were strategically amplified and molded to embody Croft. The successful translation from pixels to celluloid is a testament to meticulous planning and collaborative execution, resulting in a legendary portrayal.

The Foundation: Inherent Physical Similarities

At the most basic level, Jolie and Croft share key physical characteristics. Consider the following:

• Facial Structure: Both possess a strong, angular facial structure with prominent cheekbones and a defined jawline. This gave the makeup artists a solid foundation to work from.
• Eye Shape and Color: Jolie’s piercing blue eyes, similar to Croft’s, are a striking feature that immediately connects the two.
• Lip Shape: The fullness and shape of Jolie’s lips contribute to the overall resemblance, echoing the character’s depiction.
• Proportion: Jolie’s height and build, though initially requiring some augmentation, were generally in line with the athletic physique of Lara Croft as envisioned in the games.

These inherent similarities provided a crucial starting point, making Jolie a credible candidate from the outset. Without this natural foundation, the transformation would have been significantly more challenging.

The Sculpting Process: Physical Training and Diet

Natural resemblance alone wasn’t enough. To truly embody Lara Croft, Jolie underwent intense physical training. The goal was not simply to bulk up, but to achieve a lean, powerful physique that conveyed both strength and agility. Her training regimen included:

• Martial Arts Training: This focused on developing realistic fighting skills and the physicality required for action sequences.
• Weight Training: Targeted exercises were designed to build muscle mass in specific areas, such as the arms, shoulders, and legs, creating a more athletic silhouette.
• Yoga and Pilates: These disciplines enhanced flexibility, balance, and core strength, essential for Croft’s acrobatic movements.
• Stunt Training: Working with professional stunt teams allowed Jolie to learn how to perform many of the physically demanding stunts herself, further immersing herself in the role.

Alongside the training, Jolie adhered to a strict diet to maintain a lean body composition, ensuring that she looked the part of a seasoned adventurer. This dedication to physical transformation was critical in bridging the gap between actress and character.

The Painter’s Touch: Makeup and Hair

Makeup played a crucial role in enhancing Jolie’s existing features and further aligning her with Lara Croft’s image. This involved:

• Contouring: Expert contouring techniques were used to accentuate Jolie’s cheekbones and jawline, creating a sharper, more defined facial structure.
• Eyebrow Shaping: The shape and thickness of Jolie’s eyebrows were carefully manipulated to match Croft’s signature look.
• Lip Liner and Color: The use of specific lip liners and colors helped to create the perfect pout, mirroring the character’s iconic lips.
• Tan: A subtle tan gave Jolie a sun-kissed, adventurous appearance, befitting a globe-trotting explorer.
• Hair Styling: The iconic braid, a signature element of Lara Croft’s appearance, was meticulously styled to replicate the character’s hairstyle.

These subtle yet impactful makeup and hair choices contributed significantly to the overall transformation, highlighting key features and creating a more convincing resemblance.

The Designer’s Vision: Costume and Accessories

The costume design was equally important in completing the transformation. Lara Croft’s attire is instantly recognizable, and replicating it accurately was crucial. The key elements included:

• The Tank Top and Shorts: This iconic outfit, though simple, required careful tailoring to fit Jolie perfectly and convey a sense of practicality and athleticism.
• The Boots: Durable and functional boots completed the ensemble, adding to the character’s rugged, adventurous image.
• The Gun Holsters: The placement and design of the gun holsters were carefully considered to ensure they were both functional and visually appealing.
• Accessories: Accessories such as gloves, backpacks, and other tactical gear added to the overall authenticity of the costume.

These costume choices, combined with the makeup and physical transformation, helped to solidify Jolie’s image as Lara Croft.

The Soul of the Adventurer: Jolie’s Performance

Ultimately, what truly made Angelina Jolie embody Lara Croft was her performance. She didn’t just look the part; she acted it.

• Confidence and Determination: Jolie captured Croft’s unwavering confidence and determination, portraying her as a fearless and capable adventurer.
• Intelligence and Wit: She conveyed Croft’s sharp intellect and dry wit, adding depth and complexity to the character.
• Physical Prowess: Jolie’s commitment to physical training allowed her to perform many of the stunts herself, adding a level of authenticity to the action sequences.
• Emotional Depth: Beneath the tough exterior, Jolie hinted at Croft’s vulnerability and emotional scars, making her a more relatable and compelling character.

Jolie’s ability to embody the spirit of Lara Croft, combined with the physical transformation and costume design, resulted in a truly iconic portrayal. Her performance transcended mere imitation, creating a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. This is further explained by understanding how games are translated into other forms of media through understanding of the intersection between media and communication, an area explored by researchers affiliated with the Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Angelina Jolie play Lara Croft in all the Tomb Raider movies?

No, Angelina Jolie starred as Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003). Alicia Vikander took on the role in the 2018 reboot, Tomb Raider.

2. How much weight did Angelina Jolie gain/lose for the role?

Reports vary, but it’s generally accepted that Jolie gained muscle mass and reduced body fat to achieve Lara Croft’s physique. The focus was less on overall weight change and more on body recomposition.

3. Was Angelina Jolie familiar with the Tomb Raider video games before being cast?

Yes, Jolie was reportedly familiar with the Tomb Raider franchise before taking on the role. She understood the character’s popularity and iconic status.

4. Did Angelina Jolie perform her own stunts in the Tomb Raider movies?

Jolie performed many of her own stunts, but like most actors, she also relied on stunt doubles for particularly dangerous or complex sequences. Her extensive training allowed her to participate in a significant portion of the action.

5. What martial arts did Angelina Jolie train in for the role?

Jolie reportedly trained in a variety of martial arts disciplines, including kickboxing, kung fu, and krav maga, to prepare for the role.

6. How did the costume designers create Lara Croft’s iconic look?

The costume designers worked closely with the filmmakers and Jolie to create a look that was both faithful to the video game character and practical for the action sequences. They focused on durable fabrics, comfortable fits, and functional accessories.

7. What was the critical reception to Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft?

Critical reception was mixed. While some praised Jolie’s physical commitment to the role and her ability to capture Croft’s confidence, others felt that the movies themselves were lacking in plot and character development. However, her performance is still considered iconic by many fans.

8. How did the Tomb Raider movies impact Angelina Jolie’s career?

The Tomb Raider movies solidified Jolie’s status as an action star and helped to broaden her appeal to a wider audience. They also allowed her to explore her physical capabilities and further develop her action acting skills.

9. Was there any controversy surrounding Angelina Jolie’s casting as Lara Croft?

There was some initial debate about Jolie’s casting, with some fans questioning whether she was the right fit for the role. However, her dedication to the physical transformation and her strong performance ultimately won over many skeptics.

10. How did the Tomb Raider movies influence the portrayal of female action heroes in film?

The Tomb Raider movies helped to pave the way for more female-led action films. Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft demonstrated that women could be just as capable and compelling as men in action roles.

11. What is the significance of Lara Croft’s braid?

Lara Croft’s braid is a signature element of her design, symbolizing her practicality, resourcefulness, and adventurous spirit. It is a visual shorthand for her identity as a Tomb Raider.

12. How faithful were the Tomb Raider movies to the source material?

The Tomb Raider movies took some liberties with the source material, but they remained largely faithful to the character’s core traits and overall storyline. The filmmakers aimed to capture the spirit of the games while also creating a compelling cinematic experience.

13. What made Lara Croft such an iconic character in video games?

Lara Croft was one of the first female protagonists in a major video game franchise. She was intelligent, independent, and physically capable, challenging traditional gender roles and appealing to a wide audience.

14. Are there any plans for future Tomb Raider movies?

Yes, there are plans for future Tomb Raider movies and series. The franchise continues to be popular, and producers are working on new adaptations of the video games for both film and television.

15. What is the lasting legacy of Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft?

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft remains iconic, defining the character for a generation of moviegoers. Her commitment to the role, both physically and emotionally, helped to solidify Croft’s status as a strong and inspiring female action hero. And in continuing the topic of video game legacies, you can check out GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about how video games are shaping learning and culture.