Angelina Jolie has opened up about her latest role as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s upcoming film, Maria. The film recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2024, at the Sala Grande Theater, where Jolie received an 8-minute standing ovation for her performance. The movie, which delves into the tragic final days of Callas in 1970s Paris, marks a significant departure for Jolie, who revealed the inspiration and challenges behind her portrayal of the legendary diva.
Jolie Discusses the Challenges of Embodying Maria Callas
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie discussed her initial hesitations and motivations for taking on the role. She revealed that she found the project particularly compelling due to the intense and personal nature of Callas’ story, which she described as unlike any other role she had taken on. Jolie, known for her performances in films like Maleficent and Eternals, admitted that the subject matter of Maria was “so intense” that she refrained from singing or discussing it until recently, a rarity for the seasoned actress.
Jolie noted that while some might draw parallels between her and Callas as public figures, the deeper connection lay in their shared discomfort with public life. She expressed that both she and Callas had their joy in their crafts—Jolie in acting and Callas in singing—impacted by the pressures of their public personas. This aspect of Callas’ experience resonated with Jolie, who stated that the opera singer’s struggle with public expectations and the resulting trauma was a significant factor in her decision to take on the role.
Larrain on Why He Chose Jolie for the Role
Director Pablo Larrain, known for his work on films like Jackie and Spencer, spoke about why he chose Jolie to portray Callas, whom he referred to as the “greatest diva of the 20th century.” In an interview with Vanity Fair, Larrain explained that Jolie embodied the essence of Callas in a way that was both natural and powerful. He needed an actress who could authentically carry the weight and presence of the character, and he believed Jolie was the perfect fit.
Larrain also highlighted the rigorous preparation Jolie underwent for the role. This included six months of intense training focused on mastering Callas’ posture, breathing techniques, and developing the necessary accent. Jolie also took extensive voice lessons to capture the essence of the famed soprano’s singing style. Larrain acknowledged the difficulty of the process, but he praised Jolie’s dedication and commitment to authentically portraying Callas.
Cast and Production Details
Maria, directed by Pablo Larrain, features a stellar cast including Valeria Golino, Alba Rohrwacher, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Haluk Bilginer, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Alessandro Bressanello. The film explores the complexities of Callas’ life during her later years, highlighting the pressures she faced and the personal struggles that defined her final days. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is anticipated to be one of the standout performances of her career, adding another layer of depth to her already diverse filmography.
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