Angelina Jolie Takes Center Stage as Maria Callas in Venice Film Festival Premiere
Angelina Jolie is set to captivate audiences as she takes on the role of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in the film “Maria.” Directed by renowned Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, this highly anticipated biopic will premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday night.
A Star-Studded Role
Jolie, known for her diverse roles ranging from an evil queen to a war correspondent, adds a new achievement to her career by portraying the legendary soprano Maria Callas. Callas, born Maria Kalogeropoulos, is celebrated for her extraordinary talent and dramatic presence on stage. Jolie’s portrayal marks her return to a significant role in film, following her previous Oscar-nominated performances in “Girl, Interrupted” and “Changeling.”
Pablo Larraín’s Historical Trilogy
Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín continues his exploration of tragic historical figures with “Maria.” Larraín, a regular at the Venice Film Festival, previously earned acclaim for his biopics of influential women. His 2016 film “Jackie,” featuring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and his 2021 film “Spencer,” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, both garnered Best Actress Oscar nominations for their leads. “Maria” is the final installment in this trilogy, though Callas might be less familiar to younger audiences compared to Kennedy and Diana.
Maria Callas: A Life of Tragedy and Triumph
Maria Callas, born to Greek parents in New York, began her professional career in Athens at the age of 17. Throughout her brief but impactful life, she became one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time. Her career was marked by both her remarkable voice and the intense scrutiny of her personal life, including her demanding nature and high-profile romantic relationships, notably with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who later left her for Jackie Kennedy. Callas passed away in Paris at the age of 53 due to a heart attack.
Preparation and Performance
Larraín revealed to Vanity Fair that Jolie underwent six months of intense preparation for the role. The film, focusing on the final week of Callas’s life in 1977, features a combination of Jolie’s performance and real opera recordings. The film has already garnered interest, with Netflix acquiring distribution rights.
Venice Film Festival and Jolie’s Schedule
“Maria” is one of the 21 features competing for awards at the Venice Film Festival, with winners set to be announced on September 7. Jolie is expected to leave Venice before her ex-husband Brad Pitt arrives for the premiere of his film “Wolfs” on Sunday. Despite their legal separation since 2019, Jolie and Pitt continue to navigate ongoing disputes over custody, finances, and a French winery.
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas promises to be a standout performance at the Venice Film Festival, adding a new dimension to her illustrious career. As “Maria” makes its debut, film enthusiasts and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this final installment of Larraín’s trilogy measures up against its predecessors.
