Angelina Jolie’s Hackers Role Turns 90s Cult Classic Into Unmissable Must-See

by

Angelina Jolie has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for nearly three decades, with her role in a 1995 cult favorite still resonating strongly today. Following a series of critically praised films in the late ’90s, such as her Academy Award-winning performance in “Girl, Interrupted,” Jolie solidified her status as a true movie star in the new millennium. Films like “Gone in 60 Seconds” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” solidified her as a box office sensation, a role she maintained by headlining numerous successful films throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s.

Over the past decade, I’ve noticed a slight dip in the frequency of Angelina Jolie’s performances, yet her talent for delivering a breathtaking, character-driven portrayal remains undiminished. In fact, embodying her roles with unparalleled depth has always been Jolie’s defining trait, and even her action-packed films provided ample opportunities to showcase her captivating charm.

While her blockbuster hits from the 2000s have undeniably captured attention, it was the movies she starred in during the 1990s that truly highlighted her prowess. Her breakthrough role, initially overlooked, has since earned cult-classic status.

Angelina Jolie’s Hackers Is Getting A Well-Deserved Reappraisal

The 1995 Cult Classic Is Finally Being Recognized

Angelina Jolie made her first leading role in the 1995 movie “Hackers,” a techno-thriller that didn’t do well at the box office, but is now gaining cult status. The 90s saw numerous films attempting to capitalize on the growing popularity of personal computers, but most of them seem either cheesy or outdated. However, “Hackers” stands out among its peers due to its forward-thinking (for that time). It aimed to depict the emerging internet culture and also intersected with the discontented and rebellious youth of the ’90s.

I must admit, this film is unapologetically flamboyant, and I can’t help but love it for that reason. It doesn’t shy away from its excessive nature, instead, it revels in the absurdity of its narrative. Unlike other ’90s sci-fi films that strived to be overly serious, this movie goes all out, both visually and in storytelling. There seems to have been a good deal of research involved in the script, with several concepts drawn from the real-life Hacker Manifesto by Lloyd Blankenship. While it may not get everything spot on, the attempt to grasp computer culture is commendable.

Initially met with disapproval upon its release, Hackers has evolved into a defining work within the genre known as “Hacksploitation.” The movie encapsulates the ’90s mentality perfectly, and given the current wave of nostalgia, Hackers is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While its fashion is exaggerated and some of its dialogue may make you cringe, it’s the message behind the movie that makes it such an influential cult classic. The hacking concept is overemphasized, but certain aspects of the film have proven to be prescient in the three decades since its premiere. It certainly isn’t flawless, but Hackers seems to improve with time.

Angelina Jolie’s Kate Is The Standout Part Of Hackers (& A Big Reason It’s Now A Cult Classic)

Her First Lead Role Proved She Would Be A Star Soon

Despite not being the main character in the movie “Hackers”, it takes just a short while for viewers to realize that Angelina Jolie’s character Kate “Acid Burn” Libby is the true standout. This is evident not only from her unique costumes and sharp-witted dialogue, but also because she delivers captivating performances that overshadow her exceptionally talented co-stars like Matthew Lillard and Jonny Lee Miller. Her skill in bringing the material to life showcases her burgeoning stardom and is the primary reason why people still recall “Hackers” today. Moreover, Kate isn’t your typical ’90s female lead or even a conventional ’90s rebel girl.

As a cinephile, I must admit that on the surface, Kate seemed like a collection of stereotypes, leaning heavily towards the manic pixie dream girl trope. However, Angelina Jolie breathed life into this caricature, transforming her into a fully-fledged character. The script attempted to satirize Kate’s fixation on Dade in drag, but Angelina’s performance approached Kate’s gender ambiguity with utmost sincerity.

Her portrayal echoed a part of the Hacker Manifesto that advocates for the hacker existing beyond race, class, and other demographic markers. Angelina poured her heart into what could have been just another forgettable film, and it’s no wonder she earned an Oscar a few years down the line.

It’s common for rising stars to take on unusual roles in their early careers, which often earn them a cult classic status as unique gems. However, Angelina Jolie’s role in the movie “Hackers” wasn’t just an odd choice for her early filmography; it demonstrated her ability to make even ordinary performances shine. While she went on to achieve greater success, “Hackers” is worth cherishing.

Read More

2025-06-05 20:00