Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is set to portray Maria Callas in the forthcoming film “Maria”, directed by acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain. Larrain has a reputation for crafting artistic biopics that spotlight significant female figures in culture, such as “Spencer”, a fictionalized account of Princess Diana’s life, and “Jackie”, which follows Jackie Kennedy in the wake of her husband’s assassination. Both films have earned their leading ladies Academy Award nominations.
The first glimpse of Jolie as Callas has been revealed, with two photos of the actress in character making their debut.
The images, taken by Larrain himself, offer close-ups of Jolie, one in a casual knit sweater and the other in a more sophisticated ensemble. The photos were taken recently, with the project currently in production. “Maria” promises to tell the “tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, relived and re-imagined during her final days in 1970’s Paris,” according to the film’s release.
Callas, an American-born Greek soprano, rose to fame as one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Despite grappling with near-sightedness that nearly resulted in blindness, significant weight loss, and the loss of her voice under public scrutiny, Callas triumphed over adversity. Her personal life was equally dramatic, marked by several love affairs, including one with Aristotle Onassis, who later married Jacqueline Kennedy.
A Closer Look at “Maria”
Joining Jolie in the film are Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Valeria Golino. “I am incredibly excited to start production on Maria, which I hope will bring Maria Callas‘ remarkable life and work to audiences all around the world, thanks to the magnificent script by Steve Knight, the work of the entire cast and crew, and especially, Angelina’s brilliant work and extraordinary preparation,” said Larrain in a statement.
In recent years, Jolie has starred in a variety of films such as “Come Away” and “Those Who Wish Me Dead.” “Maria” signifies a sort of resurgence for the actress, promising to draw a larger audience and increased critical attention. “I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge,” Jolie stated.