Angelina Jolie Finds New Depth in the Role of Opera Legend Maria Callas
Angelina Jolie’s star power has captivated audiences for decades, but her portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s Maria is being hailed as her most transformative performance yet. The 48-year-old actress steps into the shoes of the iconic opera singer with grace, vulnerability, and a touch of her own lived experiences, leaving critics and fans spellbound.
Released in theaters on November 22 before hitting Netflix on December 11, Maria explores the final days of the American-born soprano’s life. Jolie, in her first major acting role in years, reveals a new side of herself in this poignant and deeply personal performance.
The Role That Made Jolie Breathe Again
Portraying Callas required Jolie to explore the depths of her own emotions, including rediscovering something as fundamental as breathing. In a recent interview, Jolie shared:
“The first few weeks were the hardest because my body had to open and I had to breathe again. And that was a discovery of how much I wasn’t.”
The physical and emotional demands of the role took Jolie by surprise, bringing up feelings and memories she didn’t realize she was still holding onto.
A Full-Circle Moment with Family
The project also became a family affair, with Jolie’s sons Maddox and Pax working on the set. It was an intimate experience for the trio, particularly as Callas’ pain mirrored moments in Jolie’s life.
“They had certainly seen me sad in my life. But I don’t cry in front of my children like that,” Jolie admitted. “That was a moment in realizing they were going to be with me, side by side, in this process of really understanding the depth of some of the pain I carry.”
While Jolie didn’t delve into specifics, the shadow of her ongoing legal battles with ex-husband Brad Pitt looms large.
The Complexity of Callas
Callas was no stranger to fame and the burdens it carries. Her larger-than-life persona and artistic genius often left her grappling with loneliness and identity. In Maria, Larraín spotlights the woman behind the myth, showcasing Callas as she struggles with the loss of her voice and sense of self.
Jolie, too, has felt the weight of public life. She drew parallels between herself and the opera star, saying:
“I know [Callas] was a public person because she loved her work. And I’m a public person because I love my work, not because I like being public. I think some people are more comfortable with a public life, and I’ve never been fully comfortable with it.”
The Journey Back to Acting
Jolie’s performance as Callas marks her return to the spotlight after years of directing and raising her six children. Her last decade has been spent taking on smaller projects that fit around her responsibilities as a mother.
Now, with her youngest children turning 16, Jolie seems ready to dive back into acting. Larraín, who also directed Jackie and Spencer, was convinced Jolie was the perfect choice to embody Callas.
“Maria was someone who carried an enormous amount of mystery,” Larraín said. “Angelina, too, carries that enigmatic quality. Even if you think you know her, you don’t.”
Singing for the First Time
Stepping into the role of Callas required Jolie to embrace singing, something she had never done before—not even karaoke.
“Early in the process, I discovered that you can’t fake-sing opera,” Jolie revealed.
Through a mix of archival recordings and her own voice, Jolie captures the fragility and power of Callas’ performances.
Life Imitates Art
Jolie’s connection to the role went beyond the technical demands of acting. Her personal struggles seemed to intertwine with those of the legendary soprano.
Callas’ story of redefining herself later in life mirrors Jolie’s own narrative. Both women found themselves at a crossroads, balancing their public personas with private battles.
“There’s a loneliness that we both share,” Jolie reflected. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think people can be alone and lonely sometimes, and that can be part of who they are.”
What’s Next for Jolie?
As Maria garners critical acclaim, there’s growing buzz about another Oscar nomination for Jolie. But whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter in her acting career remains unclear.
For now, Jolie seems content to let Callas’ legacy linger.
“When you play a real person, you feel at some point that they become your friend,” Jolie said. “Right now, it’s still a little personal. I’ll walk into a room and someone will start blaring her music, and I have this crazy internal sense memory of dropping to my knees and crying.”
FAQs
What is Maria about?
Maria focuses on the final days of opera legend Maria Callas, exploring her struggles with identity and the loss of her voice.
Did Angelina Jolie do her own singing in Maria?
Jolie’s voice is blended with archival recordings of Callas to capture the opera star’s distinct sound.
Is Maria based on true events?
Yes, the film is a biographical drama centered on the life of Maria Callas, particularly her later years in Paris.
When will Maria be available on Netflix?
The film will begin streaming on Netflix on December 11.
How many children does Angelina Jolie have?
Jolie shares six children with her ex-husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox.
