Angelina Jolie infused a nurturing spirit into the production of Without Blood. As the writer and director of this new drama, adapted from Alessandro Baricco’s 2002 book, Jolie created a set atmosphere that felt very welcoming to her cast.
Salma Hayek Pinault, who stars alongside Demián Bichir, remarked on the familial environment Jolie fostered, saying it “felt like home.” Speaking at the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly suite during the Toronto International Film Festival, where Without Blood premiered on September 8, Hayek Pinault, 58, expressed her surprise at Jolie’s warmth and generosity.
Jolie’s previous directorial work includes In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken, and By the Sea, showing her depth as a filmmaker
“Even though we are very close, I was amazed by how kind and attentive she was as a director to the actors. It was truly remarkable.” The actress noted that Jolie’s background as an actress likely contributed to her empathetic directing style. “Having worked with many talented directors, I appreciated how Jolie, given her own experience as an actress, provided what she might have wished for herself.”
Their collaboration isn’t new; Hayek Pinault and Jolie previously worked together on the 2021 Marvel film Eternals. Hayek Pinault described their roles as somewhat reversed in this film, saying, “In Eternals, I was a bit of a mother figure to her. For Without Blood, she took on a more maternal role, managing the set with a familial touch.”
“Jolie was not only an efficient director but also emotionally supportive throughout the project,” Hayek Pinault added. Jolie’s previous directorial work includes films such as In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), Unbroken (2014), By the Sea (2015), and First They Killed My Father (2017).
In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Hayek Pinault praised Jolie, stating, “She might be the best director I’ve ever worked with — and I’ve had experience with some excellent ones.” She went on to say of Without Blood, “I’ve always admired her as a director, and this film may well be her finest work.”
The film explores themes of family, war, and revenge, focusing on “a woman [Hayek] who witnesses her family suffer extreme violence and the man [Bichir] responsible,” according to the festival’s synopsis.
Reflecting on her experience, Hayek Pinault described it as transformative. “Making this film was a life-changing experience. After so many years, feeling truly heard and supported by Jolie was profound. I discovered new aspects of my acting abilities and felt a deep sense of pride in my work.”
Jolie, who also stars in Maria, shared her interest in the film’s themes with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “Having spent extensive time in conflict zones, I’ve seen both the best and the worst of humanity. This film isn’t just about why such terrible events occur; it’s more about how people endure them.” She concluded, “I deeply admire those who maintain their grace despite the harm they’ve endured. They are the individuals who move me the most.”
