Angelina Jolie has taken on one of the most challenging roles of her career in Netflix's new biopic Maria, which documents the life of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Known for her dramatic interpretations and vocal prowess, Callas remains one of the most revered sopranos of the 20th century. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, is not only illuminating for those who admire Callas but also showcases Jolie's remarkable talent as she navigates the complex character of this legendary figure.
Maria chronicles the final years of Callas' life, focusing primarily on her time spent alone in Paris. This concentrated approach deviates from the often sprawling biographies viewers may expect, as it delves deeply, yet narrowly, detailing the emotional and psychological struggles faced by Callas as she reflects on her past triumphs and heartbreaks.
Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Callas has received significant acclaim, with many critics asserting it to be some of her finest work to date. Experts and audiences alike commend her extraordinary performance, which required not just acting skills but also significant vocal training. The film has been touted as Larraín's third installment highlighting iconic women, following Jackie, about Jacqueline Kennedy, and Spencer, featuring Princess Diana.
Maria Callas, born on December 2, 1923, was of Greek descent. She began her operatic career early, training at the Athens Conservatory and facing immense challenges throughout her life and career, including vocal difficulties and deeply personal struggles. With performances at prestigious venues like La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, Callas quickly solidified her reputation as 'La Divina', captivating audiences worldwide with her exceptional range and emotional depth.
A pivotal aspect of Jolie's performance is the singing. While she did sing during filming, Jolie's voice is adeptly mixed with Callas' recordings, catering to the authenticity of the portrayal. Director Pablo Larraín explained the intricacies of merging their voices, noting, "So sometimes you hear 1 percent of Angelina’s voice, sometimes it’s 5 percent, sometimes it’s 40 percent." This careful blending is key to crafting the film’s authenticity.
Jolie herself shared her experience preparing for the role with the heartfelt sentiment, "I walked... it was the best therapy I’ve ever had." Her dedication involved not just acting but extensive vocal training, where she expressed emotional breakthroughs during her lessons. The results are palpable and enriching, with Larraín remarking on Jolie’s thorough training, which spanned several months and required her to adapt to singing not only emotionally but technically.
Jolie’s character Callas also reflects on her tumultuous personal life, including her well-documented affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. This relationship was intensely publicized, ending heartbreakingly when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy, which left Callas heartbroken. This aspect of her life adds to the drama depicted within the film and has captivated the attention of attendees and critics alike.
The tension between Callas's powerful stage presence and her fragile emotional state adds layers to the character Jolie embodies. Throughout the film, clips reveal Callas's struggle with vocal health, which remained subject to scrutiny and judgment as the world clamored for her attention. Larraín explains the connection between Callas's voice and her identity, stating, "I think she felt her voice was indistinguishable from her soul. Without a voice, she had no self, or perhaps her self became invisible." This paints the portrait of not just a performer, but a woman deeply intertwined with the art she produced.
Analyzing Callas's complicated dynamics with her voice and public persona, Larraín captures both her prowess and vulnerability, creating not only a compelling narrative but also offering rich commentary on fame, artistry, and personal sacrifices. Callas herself is quoted as saying, "I will always be as difficult as necessary to achieve the best," embodying her fierce dedication to her craft.
Reviews have been largely positive, giving the film a 76 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics commend Larraín’s direction and Jolie’s portrayal. While reviews note some reservations about the script, the consensus celebrates Jolie's ability to channel Callas's essence and complexity.
With its recent release on Netflix, many are drawn to the film not just for the artistry but also the emotional depth it portrays. The final years of Maria Callas remind us of the eternal struggles of living up to the public's expectations and retaining one's identity amid chaos. Maria is now available on Netflix, with audiences invited to immerse themselves in the exquisite blend of opera and cinema, culminating with the undeniable legacy left by Maria Callas.
