Angelina: Being behind the camera is freeing

Angelina Jolie “prefers directing to acting”.

The 39-year-old actress has helmed movies including In the Land of Blood and Honey and the more recent Unbroken. And while Angelina is most famous for her acting roles, in films such as Tomb Raider and Maleficent, she definitely prefers being behind the camera to in front of it.

“I prefer directing to acting,” Angelina told Elle magazine. “There is huge freedom that comes from being behind the camera. It brings a lot of responsibilities as well, but is intensely rewarding. Particularly the chance to help draw out the best in young actors, like Jack O'Connell in Unbroken, who is a remarkable talent.”

Unbroken tells the story of Louis "Louie" Zamperini, a former Olympic athlete who survived a plane crash in World War II before being captured and sent to a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

Louie passed away while Unbroken was being filmed. However, Angelina told the publication that his legacy will live on for centuries to come.

“Like many of the greatest human stories, it is about the capacity of regular men and women to rise above adversity,” she said. “It reminds us never to give up, and that having the spirit to fight is what really matters. It is powerful because it speaks to the potential inside all of us.”

Angelina recently hit headlines when she revealed she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in a bid to prevent herself contracting cancer. The 39-year-old said Louie’s tale helped inspire her to overcome her own obstacles in life.

“I do believe in the old saying 'What does not kill you makes you stronger,' ” she said. “Our experiences, good and bad, make us who we are. By overcoming difficulties, we gain strength and maturity.”