Angelina Jolie arrives at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 29, 2024. AP Photo
Angelina Jolie has expressed deep personal significance in portraying the renowned opera singer Maria Callas in her new film, "Maria." Speaking ahead of the film's world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, Jolie revealed her profound connection to the role, saying, "I felt such a privilege to feel like I got to know this woman and got to be inside her skin a moment. I really care for her deeply. I think I'll carry that like a friend."
The film, directed by Pablo Larrain, who is known for his portrayals of iconic women in challenging roles, focuses on Callas’s final days in Paris in 1977. The film has already been acquired by Netflix for distribution. Larrain, a frequent presence at the Venice festival, previously directed "Jackie," featuring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and "Spencer," starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Both films earned their lead actresses Oscar nominations.
"Maria" marks the conclusion of Larrain’s trilogy about historical women with tragic stories. While Callas might not be as familiar to younger audiences, her life was full of drama and fame. Born Maria Kalogeropoulos in New York to Greek parents, she made a notable debut in Athens at just 17. Her extraordinary voice and stage presence established her as one of the greatest opera singers, though her life was often under intense public scrutiny. Callas faced criticism for her demanding nature, her weight, and her tumultuous romance with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who famously left her for Jackie Kennedy. She died at 53 in Paris following a heart attack.
Jolie, who trained for six months for the role, found the experience both challenging and rewarding. The film's portrayal blends Jolie’s performance with real singing. Reflecting on her preparation, Jolie noted, "I trained for months, but my first days, [Larrain] was very good to me in that we started in a more intimate first with very few crew members. And we ended at La Scala with everyone. So I had a little time to get my nerve. But this is the hardest thing I've ever done. I was terrified."
Jolie made a stunning arrival at the Venice Film Festival, appearing in a flowing brown dress and loose hair, capturing the attention of photographers. Despite her connection to Callas, Jolie avoided comparing the fame of Callas’s era to today’s celebrity culture. She acknowledged the struggles Callas faced, stating, "She was celebrated as one of the most wonderful artists and she also had food thrown at her and insulted and lied about. So I don’t know. She must have felt very alone."
Jolie’s film "Maria" is one of the 21 features competing for the festival's awards, which will be announced on September 7. As Jolie prepares to depart Venice before her ex-husband Brad Pitt arrives for his film’s premiere, their ongoing legal battles over custody, finances, and a French winery remain unresolved.
