Private World

AS HER MESSY DIVORCE FROM BRAD PITT RAGES, AN ANXIOUS ANGELINA JOLIE TIGHTENS THE RULES FOR HER KIDS AND MAKES DEMANDS ON HER STAFF.

CLAD in a flowy black gown, Angelina Jolie descended upon New York City's Metropolitan Opera House on a recent evening as its well-heeled patrons gawked. The 49-year-old, who learned to sing arias to play the opera diva Maria Callas in the new film Maria, was there with a New York Times reporter to savor the experience of a gala performance of Puccini's Tosca. Visibly moved, the reclusive star told the reporter, "There's an authenticity here that is beautiful. There's a poetry to it all."

Less poetic: Angelina's home life. As her divorce battle with Brad Pitt continues, sources tell Star the Oscar winner has become increasingly anxious-and her kids and staff are feeling it. "She's always been a fiery, formidable character, and now all this stuff with Brad has tested her patience, explains an insider. Even more so now that disturbing details of their 2016 split are soon to be revealed. On Nov. 25, a judge ruled that Brad, 60, must disclose documents that Angelina's attorney says will provide "communications concerning abuse, lies to authorities and years of cover-up" on his part. (Brad has denied being abusive and was cleared after an investigation of a 2016 incident on a private plane.) As a result, the famously private star has become even more guarded. "She's a massive control freak," says the insider, "Everyone has to sign strict NDAs [nondisclosure agreements] and be a vault when it comes to keeping family secrets."

HOUSE RULES