Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the late opera singer Maria Callas in the film “Maria” has captivated audiences at the Venice Film Festival, earning her an emotional eight-minute standing ovation. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, explores the final days of Callas in Paris, depicting her struggles with addiction and the highs and lows of her illustrious career.
A Standing Ovation and Emotional Moment– Angelina Jolie
At the film’s premiere on August 29, 2024, at the Sala Grande Theater, Angelina Jolie, 49, was visibly moved as the audience’s applause extended for eight minutes. The Academy Award-winning actress, known for her roles in action-packed blockbusters and emotional dramas, wiped away tears as she left the stage.
Transformative Role and Intense Preparation
Jolie took on the challenging role of Callas, a renowned soprano, by immersing herself in opera. To authentically portray Callas, Jolie underwent extensive vocal training for seven months. “I thought I could sing like people sing in films, you pretend to sing or sing a little,” Jolie admitted. “But it was very clear early on that I was going to really have to learn to sing because you can’t fake opera.”
Director Pablo Larraín, known for his biopics “Jackie” and “Spencer,” praised Jolie’s dedication. “She did a lot of singing lessons, incredibly, and sang from morning to night,” Larraín said. Alba Rohrwacher, who plays Callas’s housekeeper, echoed this sentiment, noting that the emotional intensity of the shoot deeply affected everyone involved.
A Tribute to Callas’s Legacy
The film’s soundtrack includes both Callas’s original recordings and Jolie’s own vocal performances. “When Callas is heard in the film in her prime, 95% is taken from the soprano’s original recordings,” Larraín explained. “But when we hear her at the end of her life, it is mostly Jolie’s voice we are listening to.”
Larraín hopes “Maria” will reignite interest in opera, an art form that has seen a decline in public appeal since Callas’s death in 1977. “We really hope this movie creates an interest towards opera,” he said.
Personal Reflections and Festival Competition
Angelina Jolie‘s portrayal of Callas resonates personally with her, reflecting her own experiences with vulnerability. Amidst a high-profile personal life, including her ongoing divorce from actor Brad Pitt, Jolie’s connection to Callas’s story adds a layer of depth to her performance.
“Maria” is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, which runs until September 7. The film, alongside 20 other contenders, continues to garner attention for its powerful depiction of one of opera’s greatest stars.
