Prepare to be captivated as Angelina Jolie takes on the role of a lifetime, transforming into the legendary opera diva Maria Callas in the stunning new biopic ‘Maria.
The Venice International Film Festival, renowned for its celebration of cinematic artistry, witnessed a momentous occasion on August 29th, Thursday morning. The red carpet was rolled out, cameras flashed, and anticipation was palpable as the world premiere of “Maria,” a biopic chronicling the life of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, took center stage. Directed by the visionary Pablo Larrain and starring the enigmatic Angelina Jolie, this film promises to be a tour de force, offering a mesmerizing blend of drama, music, and a deep dive into the complexities of one of the most iconic figures in opera history.
Angelina Jolie’s Immersive Transformation: A Closer Look
At the heart of “Maria” is Angelina Jolie’s transformation into Maria Callas. The film’s first clip, unveiled at the Venice premiere, provides a captivating glimpse into Jolie’s performance. Moreover, Jolie meticulously attends to detail in her portrayal, reflecting both the grandeur of Callas’ public persona and the vulnerability of her personal struggles. Jolie’s commitment to the role involved extensive preparation, including almost seven months of intense opera training. She shared her experience at the press conference.
“I spent almost seven months training because when you work with Pablo, you can’t do anything by half. He demands, in the most wonderful way, that you really do the work and you really learn and train.”
Angelina Jolie
Jolie’s preparation involved not just heavy straining but also studying Callas’ unique approach to music and life.
Angelina Jolie’s Stunning Singing Debut
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Maria” is Angelina Jolie’s debut as a singer. Known for her acting prowess, Jolie took on the challenge of opera singing to authentically portray Callas. Moreover, the first clip from the film showcases her impressive vocal transformation, revealing a side of Jolie that audiences have never seen before. Thus, Jolie further highlighted her dedication by feeling initially nervous during her first singing sessions, supported by her sons.
“My first time singing I remember being so nervous. My sons were there, and they helped lock the door so that nobody else was coming in,” she recounted. This personal touch emphasizes her devotion to authentically capturing Callas’ essence.
Angelina Jolie
Speaking about her singing debut, Jolie explained more.
“I relearned the word diva through Maria. What a diva comes often from others’ perception of her, rather than what she thought and felt. Maria Callas was actually one of the hardest working people, and I got to learn this directly from her. I followed the recordings of her teachings: she said that at first you need to understand the music and the composer and diligently practice, and only after that you let your emotions in.”
Angelina Jolie
Pablo Larrain’s Vision: An Intimate Portrait
For Pablo Larrain, “Maria” represents a deeply personal project. Known for his biographical films “Jackie” and “Spencer,” Larrain considers “Maria” his most intimate work yet.
“Maria is a creative imagining and psychological portrait of Maria Callas, we discussed how we could make a movie about a character that becomes the sum of the tragedies that she sings
Pablo Larrain
Visual Splendor: A Glimpse Into Callas’ World
The first clip from “Maria” not only showcases Angelina Jolie’s captivating performance but also highlights the film’s visual splendor. The aesthetic choices vividly depict the grandeur of Callas’ world, with opulent costumes and meticulously designed sets. Moreover, the clip features a range of stunning dresses, each reflecting the elegance and sophistication associated with the opera. Jolie’s costumes, ranging from intricate period pieces to more subdued, intimate attire, underscore the duality of Callas’ public and private lives.
The film’s visual storytelling is enhanced by Larrain’s direction and the detailed work of the costume and production design teams. Thus, the aesthetics of “Maria” evoke the glamorous yet tumultuous world of the opera, offering a feast for the eyes and a fitting backdrop for Callas’ dramatic story.
What’s Next For “Maria”?
After its Venice premiere, “Maria” will make waves at the New York Film Festival, where it will screen on September 29 and 30. Netflix will release the film in the US at a later date, while Studiocanal will handle the UK release. The film’s festival circuit journey is generating buzz and acclaim. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is drawing significant praise, and “Maria” offers audiences a profound and moving exploration of one of opera’s greatest legends. Moreover, with its compelling narrative, stunning performances, and meticulous attention to detail, “Maria” is poised to make a lasting impact on both the film and opera worlds.
Watch The First Clip Of Maria
Maria brings together an impressive team of creators and a stellar cast. Directed by Pablo Larraín, known for his work on Jackie and Spencer, the film features a screenplay by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas, with Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino rounding out the cast. Produced by Fremantle, Komplizen Film, Fabula, and The Apartment Pictures, the film combines artistic vision with top-tier talent to celebrate Callas’ remarkable life and career.
