“I have never been so scared of something in my life. Singing opera, especially in front of people, was terrifying. But I knew that to honour Maria, I had to push through that fear. Every time I stepped into her world, I felt the weight of her legacy and the responsibility to do her justice”.
ANGELINA JOLIE has long been one of Hollywood’s most captivating figures, known for her bold choice of roles, humanitarian work, and an enigmatic persona that keeps both fans and critics intrigued. With her latest film, Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, Jolie takes on one of the most challenging and transformative roles of her career: portraying the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, focuses on the final week of Callas’ life in 1977, capturing the isolation, vulnerability, and tragic beauty of one of the greatest divas the world has ever known.
“There were days when I wasn’t sure if I could continue. My voice would crack, and I would doubt myself. But then I would think of Maria and how she never gave up, even when she lost her voice. That thought kept me going”.
The Challenge of a lifetime: Stepping into Maria Callas’ Shoes. For Jolie Maria Callas was not just another role; it was a profound journey that required her to delve deep into the complexities of a woman who was both adored and misunderstood. Callas was more than a celebrated opera singer; she was a symbol of artistic excellence, an embodiment of passion, and a woman whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy.
Jolie’s preparation for the role was nothing short of rigorous. She spent almost seven months training to sing opera – a daunting task for someone who had never sung in public before. In an industry where many actors might rely on lip-syncing or digital enhancements, Jolie’s commitment to authenticity is a testament to her dedication as an artist. She knew that to do justice to Callas, she would need to immerse herself fully in the world of opera, understanding not just the technicalities of singing but the emotional depth that Callas brought to every performance.
At the press conference, Jolie openly discussed the difficulty of this preparation, saying, “I have never been so scared of something in my life. Singing opera, especially in front of people, was terrifying. But I knew that to honor Maria, I had to push through that fear. Every time I stepped into her world, I felt the weight of her legacy and the responsibility to do her justice”.
The Weight of Authenticity: Training to Sing Opera. Jolie’s confession that she was “terribly nervous” about singing in public highlights the immense pressure she faced. The idea of performing opera, a genre that demands both vocal precision and emotional intensity, would be intimidating for even the most seasoned performers. For Jolie, who had no prior experience, the challenge was monumental. Yet, under the guidance of Larraín, she embarked on this journey with a determination to honour Callas; legacy.
The training process was gruelling. Opera singing requires a unique set of skills – control over pitch, breath, and tone, as well as the ability to convey deep emotion through voice alone. Jolie’s first attempts were filled with anxiety, as she recounted the moment when her sons had to lock the door to give her the privacy she needed to practice. This image of Jolie, a global superstar, vulnerable and unsure, is poignant reminder of the human side of even the most celebrated figures.
During the press conference, Jolie expanded on this vulnerability, nothing, “There were days when I wasn’t sure if I could continue. My voice would crack, and I would doubt myself. But then I would think of Maria and how she never gave up, even when she lost her voice. That thought kept me going”.
Larraín’s approach to the filming process was instrumental in helping Jolie overcome her fears. He started her in a small, intimate setting before gradually moving to the grandeur of La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. This progression allowed Jolie to build her confidence and fully inhabit the character of Callas by the time they reached the final, most demanding scenes.
A Deep Connection: Jolie’s Affinity with Callas. In interviews and at the Venice Film Festival press conference, Jolie has spoken about the personal connection she felt with Maria Callas, particularly regarding the opera singer’s vulnerability and softness – traits that were often overshadowed by the public’s perception of her as a demanding diva. Jolie related to Callas’ struggle to maintain her emotional openness in a world that did not always make space for it. This aspect of Callas’ personality Jolie believes, is something she shares with the legendary singer, and it was a key element in her portrayal of the character.
“There’s part of Maria that the world never saw, a softness and vulnerability that she kept hidden”, Jolie remarked during the press conference. “I’ve felt that in my own life, the need to protect that part of myself. It’s what drew me to her, that shared sense of being misunderstood”.
The term “diva” has historically been used to describe a woman who is difficult or demanding, often with negative connotations. However, Jolie’s experience in playing Callas has led her to reconsider the meaning of the world. Through Maria, she has come to understand that being a diva is not about being difficult but about striving for excellence and being unapologetic in one’s pursuit of artistic integrity. Larraín echoed this sentiment, stating that a diva’s status is earned through their unparalleled dedication to their craft.
“I used to think of the world ‘diva’ as something negative, but Maria taught me otherwise”, Jolie explained. “It’s about being uncompromising in your art, about knowing your worth and demanding that others see it too. Maria was a diva in the best sense of the word”.
The Final Act: Capturing the Essence of Maria Callas. Maria is the third film in Larrín’s trilogy about iconic women whose lives were marked by both fame and tragedy. Following Jackie and Spencer, Maria explores the life of a woman who, despite her extraordinary talent, faced immense personal challenges. The film focuses on the last week of Callas’ life, a period marked by solitude and reflection. With only her butler and housemaid by her side, Callas grapples with the loss of her voice, the collapse of her personal relationships, and the weight of her legacy.
For Jolie, portraying Callas was an opportunity to explore the private side of a woman who was always in the public eye. She described the experience of putting on Callas’ signature large glasses and Greek hairstyle, and sitting in her robe as an older woman, as a way of connecting with the side of Callas that the world did not know. This connection allowed Jolie to bring a deep sense of empathy to the role, portraying Callas not just as a larger-than-life figure but as a human being with fears, desires, and regrets.
“I felt like I was stepping into her soul”, Jolie reflected during the press conference. “When I looked in the mirror and saw Maria staring back at me, it was overwhelming. There was a moment when I felt like I was no longer acting, but channeling her spirit”.
The Intersection of Fame and Isolation. One of the most striking aspects of Maria is its exploration of the intersection between fame and isolation. Callas, like many public figures, lived a life that was constantly scrutinized by the media and the public. Her relationships, her appearance, and her performances were all subject to intense criticism, and this scrutiny took a tool on her emotional well-being. Despite her fame, Callas often felt alone, a sentiment that Jolie found relatable.
Jolie’s own experiences with fame have undoubtedly informed her portrayal of Callas. As one of the most famous women in the world, Jolie has had to navigate the complexities of living in the public eye while maintaining her privacy. The parallels between her life and Callas’ are evident, and Jolie’s performance reflects a deep understanding of the loneliness that can accompany fame.
During the press conference, Jolie touched on this aspect of fame, saying, “Maria and I both know what it feels like to be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. Fame can be a very isolating experience, and I think that’s something we both struggled with in our own ways”.
The Legacy of Maria Callas: A tribute Through Film. Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is not just an acting achievement; it is a tribute to one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Callas’ legacy as an opera singer is unparalleled, and her influence on the world of music is still felt today. However, her life was also marked by tragedy, and it is this duality that Maria seeks to capture.
The film’s focus on the final week of Callas’ life is a poignant reminder of the fragility of even the most powerful figures. Despite her success, Callas faced immense personal challenges, including the loss of her voice, her relationship with Aristotle Onassis, and the constant pressure of living up to her own legend. Maria does not shy away from these difficulties but instead presents them as part of the complexity that made Callas who she was.
Jolie has expressed a deep sense of responsibility in portraying Callas, stating that her primary concern was to honor Callas’ legacy and not disappoint her fans. This respect for Callas’ artistry and he life is evident in every aspect of Jolie’s performance, from the painstaking preparation to the emotional depth she brings to the role.
“I felt such a deep connection to her, and I wanted to do right by her”, Jolie said. “There’s a sacredness to portraying someone’s life, especially someone as extraordinary as Maria. My biggest fear was letting her down, but I also felt a strong sense of duty to tell her story authentically”.
A Glamorous Appearance: Jolie’s Red Carpet Look. Angelina Jolie’s appearance at the Venice International Film Festival was as noteworthy as her performance in the film. On the red carpet, she exuded Old Hollywood Glamour, wearing a custom champagne-colored gown by designer Tamara Ralph. The elegant gown was complemented by a fur stole, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to her look.
Jolie’s entrance at the festival was nothing short of dramatic, as she arrived at the docks of the Hotel Excelsior in a golden acid-colored Tom Ford jersey kaftan dress. Her hair was styled long and loose, enhancing the ethereal quality of her appearance. For the press conference, she changed into a sleek black maxi dress, once again showcasing her impeccable fashion sense.
These carefully chosen outfits not only highlighted Jolie’s status as a fashion icon but also served as a visual connection to the glamorous world of Maria Callas, a woman known for her own sense of style and elegance.
The Future of Maria and Awards Season Buzz. Maria has already generated significant buzz in the film industry, with many speculating that Jolie’s performance could earn her another Oscar nomination. While Jolie herself has downplayed the importance of awards, focusing instead of honoring Callas’ legacy, the film’s reception at the Venice International Film Festival suggests that it will be a major contender in the upcoming awards season.
Larraín direction, combined with Steve Knight’s script, has created a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The decision to blend Jolie’s voice with Callas’ original recordings add and additional layer of authenticity to the film, making it a unique cinematic experience. As Maria makes it way to broader audience, it is likely to spark renewed interest in the life and career of Maria Callas, introducing her to a new generation of fans.
“I never imagined I’d be part of something like this”, Jolie mused at the press conference. “To be able to bring Maria’s story to life and share it with the world is a gift. Whether or not it leads to awards, I’m just grateful that people are connecting with the film and with Maria”.
A Journey of Transformation and Tribute. Angelina Jolie’s journey to becoming Maria Callas is a testament to her dedication as an artist and her deep respect for the woman she portrays. The seven months of opera training, the emotional vulnerability, and the meticulous attention to detail all culminate in a performance that is both powerful and poignant. Through Maria, Jolie not only honors the legacy of one of the greatest opera singers of all times but also offers a new perspective on what it means to be a diva, a public figure, and a woman navigating the complexities of fame and personal identiy.
As Maria continues to make waves in the film industry, it stands as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to bring history’s most fascinating figures back to life. For Angelina Jolie, this role is more than just another entry in her illustrious career – it is a personal and artistic achievement that will resonate for years to come.
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