So begins David Thompson's essay on Jolie in "The New Biographical Dictionary of Film." (The first edition appeared in 1975.) Thompson's book is erudite, amusing, full of right-on observations about actors, directors, producers, the culture of moviemaking and movie lovers. It is invaluable to anybody interested in or working in cinema. The author pulls apart some of my favorite actors, but so brilliantly, I almost agree! Do you think you don't have much interest in Kim Novak or Ann Harding or Andrzej Munk? You will after Thompson's analysis.

I suggest this big book today, as we recover from last night's Oscar orgy of self-congratulation and months of PR mania. Thompson makes you appreciate the art of movies, often overlooked on the red carpet.

OH, DEAR -- and speaking of Oscar, don't kid yourself into thinking that the controversy over "The Passion of the Christ" is just something for the time being -- this season's cultural frisson. Because next year, take my word for it, Mel Gibson's S&M take on the death of Jesus Christ will be up for best picture. If it's not? Conservatives will flip out, and our friend Bill O'Reilly will declare it a "secular" cabal trying to oust religion from popular culture. (I don't think Mel's career will suffer, but The New York Times reported Friday that there is enough anger against the actor in Hollywood that his career (ITALICS) could (END ITALICS) be negatively affected, though no one's gone on record yet.)

Either way, prepare for deja vu all over again. This controversy won't end.

YES, THAT WAS Scarlett Johansson -- who won the British Academy Award, so there! -- at Taco Bell on Santa Monica Boulevard recently. "Whenever I get back from Europe, I'm always dying for some good Mexican food. You can't find a decent burrito anywhere in Europe!" ... YES, THAT WAS Al Pacino fretting over crossing a picket line in front of a Santa Monica supermarket. The actor, never better than in "Angels in America" and remarkably composed when he accepted his Golden Globe, approached the picketers upon leaving the store: "Sorry guys, about going in there. I needed to get my kids some milk" (3-year-old twins Olivia and Anton). Then, Al handed a few bucks to the strikers and hurried off to his own brand of domesticity.

FRESH FROM PROWLING the Broadway stage as slip-clad Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Ashley Judd is starring in the thriller "Twisted." Judd loves intense movie situations, but this summer audiences will see the star make her onscreen singing debut in "De-lovely," playing Linda, the wife of composer Cole Porter in an original musical based on his life. Porter will be played by Kevin Kline. Porter's incomparable music is to be featured, of course. (Movie mavens know that Ashley follows in the cinematic footsteps of Alexis Smith, who played Mrs. Porter in the 1946 film "Night and Day" with Cary Grant as Cole. One assumes that this new take will be more candid as to Porter's homosexuality.)

But forget about who's in bed with whom, what about the singing? Ashley, whose sister Wynona and mother Naomi are famous songbirds, said she was "terrified at the prospect ... I was comfortable singing in the studio opposite Kevin, but when he wanted to do it live on camera, my stomach turned. But I did it!"

SPEAKING OF "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," although the ankle-wounded Ashley has moved on, sexy Jason Patric has extended his stay for a few more weeks. He's loving the experience and is growing ever more comfortable and fluid as Brick, the football player who mourns his best buddy and ignores his sexy wife.

THE DIVA from Texas -- I do mean Betty Buckley (known as Betty Lynn to her Lone Star pals) -- returns to New York tomorrow night with musical director Kenny Werner for a three-week engagement at Cafe Carlyle. Buckley is a fascinating singer-actress, and her performances are always full of drama and surprises.

When the star is not working, she competes in amateur riding competitions on her horse, "Purple Badger." Betty Lynn has reclaimed her wild and woolly roots as a cowgirl, moving back home to Texas. But it is the glorious chanteuse you'll find at Cafe Carlyle.

SOMETIMES, I am totally stunned at the people who do movie advertising. There, in Variety, was an ad for Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore's big hit. The headline reads: "Biggest ---- Romantic Comedy Opening Ever!" The dictionary is chock full of excellent adjectives that indicate something is superlative. Was this word necessary?