Uproar in the Hungarian media and in the country at-large greeted the Hollywood superstars upon their arrival in Budapest, where Jolie was scheduled to shoot several scenes for her new film. News and private tips on where passers-by could catch a glimpse of the star at work circulated through the media, and paparazzi photos faithfully recorded the couple’s daily activities. Quite a few locals and expats had the opportunity to speak with Angelina, pose for a photo with her, or see her at work and at play with her family in Hungary.

Much ado around a Hollywood film production is not uncommon of course. When nearly two years ago Brad Pitt was shooting the blockbuster film Inglorious Bastards in Berlin, the German press too gave almost a daily record of Pitt and his family, where their lodgings were, what the children were doing, what places they visited and so on. This intense and thorough coverage, much like Hungary’s, was a product of the German’s national pride in hosting such a revered actor.

A recent influx of celebrity traffic suggests Budapest has changed its status, becoming a considerably more attractive place for world-famous stars and productions. Jeremy Irons, John Cusack, Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and Robert Pattinson all have recently visited and spent time in the Hungarian capital. Usually Hollywood stars make the headlines wherever they appear, but for a country like Hungary to receive such popular personalities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, their time here will surely serve as an endorsement to the entire world.

The couple’s time in Budapest provoked in the general public some questions about Brangelina: Can you direct a film with your hair combed out? Can you see the monitor through sunglasses? Why did the couple appear at the opening of Nobu if they did not mingle with the other guests? Why did they choose the not particularly luxurious, yet highly architectural villa they lived in while they were here? All questions stimulated by the public curiosity for what life is really like for a star.

Budapest is slightly less lively without these talented actors, but one thing is certain: as the completion of Jolie’s directorial debut came to a close, everyone, and miss Jolie, herself, surely knew that this city will forever hold a unique place in her heart.

Translated from Origo.hu by Ana Minadora Sbarci for XpatLop.com

Edited by Ben Brundage