Maria Callas (1923-1977) was an American-born Greek soprano celebrated for her extraordinary vocal technique, dramatic intensity, and commanding stage presence, making her one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. Now, filmmaker Pablo Larrain takes on the challenge of capturing the life—and myth—of La Callas in his latest film, showcasing Angelina Jolie as the iconic diva at the London Film Festival 2024. The trailer for the film is set to be released on October 24th.
The film, featuring a standout performance by Jolie, aims to elevate her from a mere movie star to a figure of genuine artistic greatness. Edward Lachman's sumptuous cinematography enhances Larrain's work, showcasing monochrome and vibrant colours to evoke the emotional landscape of Callas's life.
Screenwriter Steven Knight, known for his work on Larrain’s Spencer, crafts a narrative rich with the pain and regret that coloured Callas’s final days in Paris in 1977. The film captures poignant moments, including when Callas asks her loyal butler Ferruccio to book a restaurant table where the waiters know her, quipping, “I crave adoration.”
Set against a backdrop of nostalgic autumnal hues, Callas inhabits a grand apartment that resembles the Louvre more than a home, attended by Ferruccio and housekeeper Bruna. As she drifts through days filled with reveries and memories, Mandrax dulls her senses. The plot thickens when a film crew arrives to interview her, led by a character also named Mandrax, posing questions to propel the narrative.
Larrain skillfully integrates opera’s finest moments, using music as an emotional touchstone throughout the film. The powerful scores of Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini provide an unmatched emotional depth, contrasting with Callas’s reflections on her tumultuous relationship with Ari Onassis and her harrowing experiences during the German occupation of Greece. While the film doesn’t delve deeply into her important collaborations with tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano or conductors like Victor de Sabata, it embraces the essence of the legend.
As the saying goes, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” Larrain's film promises to illuminate Maria Callas's enduring legacy, captivating opera lovers and general audiences at this year's London Film Festival. The film will be in select theatres on November 27 and available for Netflix streaming starting December 11. Don’t miss the trailer release on October 24th!
What is Maria about?
Academy Award–-winner Angelina Jolie plays Maria Callas, one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century, in acclaimed director Larraín’s operatic Maria.The film follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. Maria reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life.
Who is in the cast of Maria?
The cast of Maria includes:
- Angelina Jolie (Girl, Interrupted; Changeling)
- Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog, Dolemite Is My Name)
- Alba Rohrwacher (Hungry Hearts, Happy As Lazzaro)
- Pierfrancesco Favino (Padrenostro,Adagio)
- Valeria Golino (For Your Love, The Beautiful Game)
When is the release date for Maria?
Maria will be in select theatres on Nov. 27 and stream on Netflix on Dec. 11. Its world premiere was at the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 29.