Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria (2024) is a biographical psychological drama that delves into the final days of the illustrious opera singer Maria Callas, portrayed by Angelina Jolie. The film offers an intimate portrayal of Callas's life in 1970s Paris, highlighting her struggles with identity, love, and the pressures of fame.
Synopsis
Set in Paris during the 1970s, Maria chronicles the concluding chapter of Maria Callas's life. The narrative oscillates between her present seclusion and reflective flashbacks, shedding light on her illustrious yet tumultuous career, her passionate romance with Aristotle Onassis, and the personal challenges she faced. As Callas confronts her declining health and the isolation that accompanies her fame, the film paints a poignant picture of a woman grappling with her legacy and yearning for genuine connection.
Principal Cast
Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas: The renowned opera soprano, celebrated for her exceptional talent and dramatic personal life.
Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio Mezzadri: A significant figure in Callas's life, providing insight into her personal and professional world.
Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna Lupoli: A close confidante of Callas, offering emotional support during her final days.
Haluk Bilginer as Giovanni Battista Meneghini: Callas's former husband and manager, instrumental in the early stages of her career.
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax: A character representing the internal struggles and reflections of Callas.
Production Insights
Maria is the third installment in Pablo Larraín's trilogy focusing on influential 20th-century women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). The screenplay, penned by Steven Knight, delves deep into the psychological landscape of Maria Callas, offering a nuanced portrayal of her complexities. The film is an international co-production between Italy, Germany, and the United States, with cinematography by Ed Lachman, whose work enhances the film's evocative and theatrical atmosphere.
Musical Elements
While the film features some of Callas's most renowned performances, the original score complements the narrative by capturing the emotional depth and turmoil of Callas's final days. Angelina Jolie's portrayal includes a blend of her own vocals with actual recordings of Callas, adding authenticity to the performance.
Release and Reception
Maria premiered on Netflix on December 11, 2024, and has garnered mixed to positive reviews. Critics have lauded Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Callas, describing it as "heartbreaking and vulnerable, potentially her best work." The film's intimate and detailed approach has been praised for its thoughtful portrayal of the opera legend. However, some reviewers have noted that the film's heavy artistic elements may detract from storytelling coherence.
Conclusion
Maria offers a haunting and evocative portrayal of Maria Callas's final days, anchored by a compelling performance from Angelina Jolie. While the film's stylistic choices may polarize audiences, it stands as a significant addition to biographical cinema, shedding light on the personal struggles behind one of the most iconic figures in opera history.
