Angelina Jolie transforms into the mysterious Evelyn Salt in this original, action-packed spy thriller. This is one of the very few action films, if not just the one, where the female is not dehumanized as an object, reduced down to a sex-symbol that does a few action scenes but instead is just a woman who is an intelligent protagonist that vengefully fights strong, hard, frightening, and mean without doing pretty. 

As far as films/television/media go, this is something we definitely need to see more of- female characters that are strong and intelligent, rather than only objectified.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

The action film that was originally written for a male lead, Salt (2010), stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA operative who appears to be an undercover Russian spy. It might sound like just another spy-thriller but Salt proves to be far from it. Jolie's portrayal of this enigmatic character, with so many different faces and sides, is just as strong and forceful as the punches she throws. As director Phillip Noyce explains [when discussing the film and Angelina's adroit acting capabilities], Jolie smoothly combines drama with action and brilliantly knows how and when to switch between the two.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

With some seriously brutal fight scenes and very dangerous stunts (most of which Jolie did herself), Angelina proves she can and will do it all, even when she's disguised as one.   SALT is my favorite action film. It is also one of my highly recommended and definitely favored Angelina Jolie films. 

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

Tomb Raider was the first film I ever saw of Angelina Jolie, and I have always admired her since seeing that film (despite the sexualization of Lara Croft, she still is a strong, female character that with a sensual edge which is admirable). Over the years, my admiration and respect for Angelina Jolie has only grown as I look up to her for her extensive and remarkable humanitarian efforts, and her work behind the camera as a film writer, director, etc., but also because she really cares about the work she does. Jolie puts a lot of effort and hard work into the film projects and continuous humanitarian efforts for which she is actively involved. She is empathetic and makes sure to have as many different perspectives considered while aiming and stressing for accuracy, both in her films as a writer/director and as a humanitarian. 

I think Jolie and this character, Salt, both make for great female role models in our mainstream media.

Photo Source:
Salt. Dir. Noyce, Philip. Perf. Jolie, Angelina. Exec. Prod. Kavanaugh, Ryan. Kidney, Ric. Vahradian, Mark. Colombia Pictures. Sony Pictures. 2010. Film.