Angelina Jolie returns to the screen in Maria. Joining forces with acclaimed director Pablo Larraín, Jolie steps into the shoes of the iconic 20th-century opera sensation Maria Callas in the upcoming film Maria. This psychological drama delves deep into the final days of the legendary Greek-American soprano before her passing in 1977 at the age of 53.
Read on, we delve into the intricate details and fascinating insights surrounding this highly anticipated movie release.
What is Maria all about?
Larraín’s film delves deeply into the poignant final chapter of Maria Callas’s life, as she grappled with the harsh reality of her vocal decline while residing in Paris during the tumultuous 1970s. The film vividly captures the emotional turmoil and personal struggles that Callas faced during this period, shedding light on the complexities of her legendary career and personal life. Ultimately, the film culminates with the tragic passing of Callas in September 1977, marking the end of an era for opera.
A brief history of Maria Callas
Born in 1923, La Divina, the legendary soprano hailed as “pure electricity,” captivated audiences with her ethereal vocal range that seemed to touch the heavens themselves. Despite her mesmerizing performances on stage, Callas led a tumultuous life offstage, filled with drama and controversy.
Her relationship with her mother was strained, adding another layer of complexity to her already turbulent life. However, it was her infamous romance with the wealthy and powerful Aristotle Onassis that truly captured the public’s attention. Their passionate affair played out in the spotlight, only to end in heartbreak when Onassis ultimately chose to marry Jacqueline Kennedy.
Tragically, Callas’ life came to a premature end when she passed away from a sudden heart attack at the young age of 53. In her final years, she lived in relative isolation, a stark contrast to the dazzling world she once inhabited. Despite the chaos and turmoil that surrounded her, Maria Callas remains a shining star in the opera world, her talent and artistry unmatched by any other.
Jolie sings in Maria?
Yes, but it’s not just Jolie’s voice you’ll hear in “Maria.” The film uses a blend of Jolie’s voice and recordings of Callas singing. According to Larraín, he mixed Jolie’s singing with Callas’s to create the final sound.
He explains “[Jolie] had different trainers. The first one was posture, breathing and accent, being able to properly sing mostly in Italian. And the second is the singing itself. That is about pitch. … Angie had to wear an earpiece on the set and sing it out loud. And there was no other sound in there but her voice.”
He continued, “We not only have her voice, but we have breathing, every sound that comes out of Angie’s physicality is captured in the mix. So sometimes you hear most of it is Callas, as it should be in a movie about Maria Callas, when she’s singing well, right? And then in the present of the film, there’s more of Angie. Sometimes it’s 5 percent, sometimes 50, sometimes 70.”
Maria release date in theaters?
After captivating audiences at film festivals around the world, Maria is finally making its highly anticipated debut in select theaters on November 27th.
When will Maria stream on Netflix?
Maria will officially be making her debut on Netflix on December 11th, giving viewers plenty of time to binge-watch her captivating story before the highly anticipated Oscars ceremony in March. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in Maria’s world and witness her journey unfold on the big screen.
