Angelina Jolie steps into the shoes of opera legend Maria Callas in the new biopic Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. The first trailer reveals Jolie’s emotional portrayal, showcasing her transformation into the famous soprano. The film is set to release on Netflix on December 11.
By Julian James
A Look at the Life of Maria Callas
Maria follows the life of Maria Callas, the renowned American-Greek soprano, during her final days in Paris. After a career filled with both public acclaim and personal struggles, Callas retreats to the French capital to reflect on her life and identity. Known for her extraordinary vocal range spanning three octaves, Callas became a global star. She passed away in 1977 at the age of 53 due to a heart attack.
Jolie’s Intense Performance
Angelina Jolie, known for her powerful roles, brings her depth and versatility to the character of Callas. The trailer highlights her ability to capture the emotional complexity of the diva. During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Jolie expressed her concern about living up to the expectations of Callas’ devoted fans and opera enthusiasts. She emphasized that her main goal is to honor the legacy of the beloved singer.
A Talented Team Behind the Film
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria comes from a team with a proven track record in biopics. Larraín previously helmed Jackie and Spencer, which featured Oscar-nominated performances by Natalie Portman and Kristen Stewart. The screenplay for Maria was written by Steven Knight, who also wrote Spencer. Production resumed in September 2023 after the conclusion of the WGA strike, allowing the team to complete filming.
Star-Studded Cast and Premiere
Maria had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, where it received critical praise. Alongside Angelina Jolie, the film features a strong cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, and Pierfrancesco Favino. During the Venice press conference, Jolie was asked about potential award nominations but downplayed them, focusing instead on meeting the high expectations of Callas’ admirers.
Angelina Jolie’s performance as Maria Callas is poised to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and authenticity. The film sheds light on the private struggles of a public figure, offering a poignant look at Callas’ final days. Jolie’s portrayal will likely resonate with both fans of Callas and lovers of biographical films.
Based on information from www.people.com and own research.