Angelina Jolie is set to portray opera singer Maria Callas in an upcoming film directed by Pablo Larraín. The role required intense vocal training and emotional exploration, which Jolie found therapeutic. This project marks a significant return to film for Jolie, whose last role was in Marvel’s “Eternals” (2021).
Angelina Jolie stars as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the biographical drama Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. The film delves into Callas’s final days in 1970s Paris, exploring her personal and professional struggles.
Film Details:
- Director: Pablo Larraín, known for biopics like Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021).
- Screenwriter: Steven Knight.
- Cast:
- Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas.
- Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio Mezzadri.
- Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna Lupoli.
- Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis.
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax.
- Cinematography: Edward Lachman.
- Editing: Sofía Subercaseaux.
Production and Release:
- Filming took place over eight weeks across Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan.
- Maria premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2024, competing for the Golden Lion.
- The film had a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 27, 2024, and is available for streaming on Netflix as of December 11.
Critical Reception:
Critics have praised Jolie’s portrayal of Callas. The Associated Press noted, “Angelina Jolie glides through the final days of Maria Callas’ short life in Pablo Larraín’s Maria, a dramatic, evocative elegy to the famed soprano.”
Visuals:
First-look images reveal Jolie’s transformation into Callas, showcasing her in vintage attire and the singer’s signature winged eyeliner.
Trailer:
The official trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s aesthetic and narrative, highlighting Jolie’s embodiment of Callas.
Maria presents an intimate portrayal of Maria Callas, capturing her complexities and the challenges she faced during her final days. Angelina Jolie’s performance, combined with Pablo Larraín’s direction, offers a poignant exploration of the opera legend’s life.
