Charlize Theron is not the first Oscar-winning actress to become an action heroine. Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry paved the way to butt-kicking babe status before her. The strategy worked well for Ms. Jolie, but not so well for Ms. Berry. How will Charlize’s new gig as Aeon Flux effect her career? RedEye examines the recipe required for studette stardom.
ANATOMY OF AN OSCAR-WINNING ACTION HEROINE
GET NOTICED
Angelina: Those luscious lips and voluptuous bod made her a big-screen star in 1999’s “Pushing Tin.”
Halle (below): That topless scene in 2001’s “Swordfish” was hard to miss.
Charlize: Her subtle, glamorous beauty shined in 1999’s “The Cider House Rules.”
REMIND PEOPLE YOU’RE HOT
Angelina: In 2001’s “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Angelina made Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones look like a wimp. It led to future action rolls in the film’s 2003 sequel, and 2005’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”
Halle: No one has ever worn a cat suit better than Halle (below) did in 2004’s “Catwoman.” Too bad the movie sucked and knocked a huge dent in her acting credibility. Maybe “X-Men 3” will rejuvenate.
Charlize: With Aeon Flux, Charlize is finally flaunting that figure. The movie wasn’t prescreened, which critics say is a bad sign. But maybe hottie Charlize the assassin can save it with her killer good looks.
GET UGLY, WIN OSCAR
Angelina: Angie (above) got scary for her role as a disturbed patient in a mental hospital in 1999’s “Girl, Interrupted,” which scored her a Best Supporting Actress award.
Halle: Her downtrodden character in 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” had sex with Billy Bob Thornton and won her a Best Actress trophy.
Charlize: Packing on weight and portraying a lesbian prostitute/serial killer in 2003’s “Monster” won Charlize (right) a Best Actress award.
DOMINATE
Angelina: Angelina (right) makes between $10 million and $15 million per picture these days. With Brad Pitt in tow and her humanitarian work as a UN Ambassador, it wouldn’t be surprising if she is canonized in the near future.
Halle: Despite her “Catwoman” gaffe, Halle still is a force to be reckoned with. Even if her movie career isn’t booming, she’s still got those Revlon endorsements.
Charlize: “Aeon Flux” could bomb, but Charlize might still fare well in the impending Oscar races because of her role in “North Country,” the blue-collar sexual harassment drama.
More Top Picks Best Hand Massagers With Heat