Angelina Jolie has made her long-awaited return to serious acting with her captivating role as opera legend Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic, set against the backdrop of Callas’s poignant final days. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, where it garnered significant attention, marking Jolie's first major dramatic role since her Oscar-nominated performance in 2008's "Changeling." Many anticipated whether this cinematic performance might leapfrog her back onto the Oscars stage, with critics applauding her transformative portrayal as one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century.
Jolie's performance is being described as accounting for nothing less than cinematic possession. Critics note how her nuanced depiction reveals the emotional turmoil and strength shared between her own life and the iconic role she embodies. The parallels between Callas, who was both adored and misunderstood, and Jolie, one of Hollywood's most famous figures, are apparent. Observer remarks liken Jolie’s role to recent award-winning performances like Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of Judy Garland, hinting at the potential for another Oscar nod for Jolie.
Larraín's film, "Maria," is the latest offering from the director, who has gained acclaim for previous biopics focused on iconic women—such as "Jackie", starring Natalie Portman, and "Spencer", with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Set during the last week of Callas’s life before her death, the film aims to capture the psychological pressures and isolation attached to celebrity. This artistic venture posits not only the biographical drama but also delves deep conceptually, providing viewers with layers of emotional resonance.
According to Larraín, he aims to transcend conventional biopic narratives by immersing audiences directly within Callas's experiences. With the aid of music from her illustrious past intertwined within the storyline, the film uses moments of surrealism to explore Callas’s emotional state. Larraín acknowledges, “Our perception with reality is so fabulous,” alluding to the film's ambition to paint vivid emotional memories as the narrative juxtaposes Callas's conversations with timeless arias of her illustrious career.
The movie’s screenplay, written by Steven Knight, guides viewers through Callas’s haunting memories paired with her struggles during the final days of her life. With each frame shot intimately by Larraín, often just inches from Jolie's expressive face, audiences can connect with Callas's feelings of loneliness and loss.
Notably, Larraín and Jolie believe the art of opera functions as not only the film's driving score but also as the emotional map underpinning the narrative. The director emphasized his fascination with music, claiming it to be the most poetic expression created by humankind. Larraín explained, “This is the most important weapon I have,” reflecting on his belief in music’s transformative power.
The soundtrack choices serve dramatic intentions and create layers of emotional complexity. Larraín noted how operatic segments correspond to specific moments of Callas’s life. For example, when she attempts to sing “O Mio Babbino Caro,” which relates to her fraught relationship with her father, the film tackles heavy underlying themes by connecting music directly with personal memory. Larraín’s intention not to distract viewers with subtitles but rather to evoke subconscious emotional connections echoes through the film.
Jolie herself connected strongly with Callas, reflecting, “We’re both very emotional women who probably are seen as quite strong but are quite vulnerable.” This arc reveals how both women, separated by time but united through their artistry and emotional experiences, reflect the burden of public personae.
Although mixed reviews have surfaced, the film is bolstered by Larraín’s creative approach, promising elevated cinematic artistry. Discussions surrounding its awards potential speculate on the future recognition for Jolie's performance alongside technical achievements like cinematography and art direction, pushing for broader acclaim than prior Larraín films.
With the support of Netflix—and previous successes with award-winning biopics—the potential for "Maria" to shift narratives and garner significant awards attention remains alive. This film doesn't just seek to chronicle Callas’s life; it aspires to evoke empathy through its artistic lens, culminating in emotional revelations about one of history's most enigmatic figures.
Having examined the nuances of Maria Callas's life, Larraín's film promises to offer audiences more than just another biopic; it aims to create immersive experiences aligned with the haunting echoes of Callas's voice and the troubled legacy she left behind. With pivotal themes of artistic expression and personal vulnerability laid bare, this film has the markings of both emotional depth and potential commercial success.
