Angelina Jolie admits it can be a challenge directing her husband, Brad Pitt, in their first film together since 2005’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith, By the Sea. However, that seems to be one of the many aspects that drew her to the project.

Unbroken will mark Jolie’s second directorial effort following In the Land of Blood and Honey, which she wrote. But she admitted to DuJour magazine that her third effort, By the Sea, is a “heavy film” that comes with challenges.

"It's a heavy film, and it's not easy for us, but even as you struggle through it, you're in the trenches together and you don't expect it to be easy,” she said. “We're challenging each other and that's a really good thing."

The Oscar winner also said she’s much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it and hopes to continue on in her career as a director.

"I've never been comfortable as an actor; I've never loved being in front of the camera," she said. "I didn't ever think I could direct, but I hope I'm able to have a career at it because I'm much happier."

With By the Sea, she’s not only directing but also starring alongside Pitt, whom she shares six children with.

"The tricky thing is directing myself and directing Brad. It's hard, dramatic material, and we're balancing,” she said.

image via INFphoto.com