Maria (2024), directed by Pablo Larrain, explores the poignant life of legendary opera singer Maria Callas during her final days as she navigates the tears and turmoil of fame, passion, and personal sacrifice. Set against the enchanting backdrop of 1977 Paris, the film paints Callas not just as an iconic performer but as a deeply complex individual troubled by her past.
Angelina Jolie brings Callas to life with emotion, embodying her struggles with identity and the heavy expectations placed upon her by the world. The film takes place over the course of seven days, each moment capturing the ephemeral nature of life through Callas's reflections. While Maria is the central character whose story is told, Haluk Bilginer plays the role of Aristotle Onassis, Callas’s intense and often tumultuous love affair partner.
Jolie's performance draws viewers deep inside Callas's psyche as she grapples with memories of her exceptional fame and personal losses. The film’s narrative is distinctive; it intersperses Callas's experiences with flashbacks from her illustrious past, showing how her remarkable career intertwines with her personal relationships.
Intriguingly, Larrain blends documentary-style filmmaking with dramatic storytelling to create a captivating, layered narrative. At the crux of this approach is Callas’s desire to share her story through imagined interviews with a small film crew. Through these scenes, viewers get insight not only about her career but also the deep love and pain associated with her complex relationship with Onassis. This direct engagement with her audience reflects her yearning to set the record straight on her life’s choices.
There’s a surreal twist as the crew and their interviews are, quite literally, manifestations of Callas’s mind. The effects of the sedative Mandrax, which she becomes addicted to, influence her perceptions of reality, blending her memories with the scenes of her imagination. The interviewer introduces himself as Mandrax and shadows Callas through Paris, where the past looms large, calling to her like the heavy echoes of marvelous opera notes.
Another remarkable aspect of the film is how opera isn't merely background music; it is integral to shaping Callas's character. Her artistry becomes both her solace and her burden, capturing the harsh reality of how public adoration sometimes masks personal suffering. Many memorable arias, including the moving "Ave Maria," serve as emotional anchors within the film, drawing audiences closer to Callas's life, inviting them to resonate with her struggles.
The tension between her artistry and the decay of her personal life underlines the film’s emotional gravity. The narrative stirs drama reminiscent of Callas's operatic roles—full of ambition, betrayal, and heartache. Throughout the film, viewers gain insight not only through Callas's high notes but also the low periods, where the audience sees glimpses of her vulnerability.
The relationship between Callas and Onassis is delicately portrayed, wrapped tightly around emotional complexity. Although Bilginer has limited screen time, his portrayal carries significant weight—capturing the nuances and turbulent nature of their connection. Seen especially in how their love mirrored operatic dramas, this relationship is highlighted across the film as fiercely passionate yet tragically flawed.
What makes Bilginer’s performance stand out is his ability to convey depth and emotion succinctly. Despite being present briefly, Onassis's character bears substantial thematic significance, encapsulating the essence of both love and heartache. His influence leaves its mark, serving as witness to how love can drive, yet also devastate the extraordinary Maria Callas.
At its core, the film 'Maria' is not just about recalling the operatic glory of one of history's greatest performers, but it deeply examines her identity, love, and the inexorable passage of time. It captivates viewers by intertwining themes of fame with personal struggles—offering rich nuance against the backdrop of 1970s Paris.
Consequently, 'Maria' emerges not just as a biopic, but as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Callas, compelling audiences to reflect on the weight of legacy, the cost of pursuit, and the exquisite burden of artistic expression. It is, above all, about recognizing the multifaceted nature of love and loss—a timeless story told with grace and heart, leaving viewers with newfound respect for the extraordinary life of Maria Callas.
