Director Pablo Larraín’s talent for creating cinematic portraits of iconic women in history is well-known. It all began with Larraín’s debut in English-language film, Jackie in 2016, starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy following the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. This marked the start of a “spiritual trilogy” that continued with 2021’s Spencer, led by Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Collaborating with screenwriters Noah Oppenheimer and Steven Knight, Larraín shifted the biopic genre by focusing on key moments in each subject’s life rather than attempting a comprehensive overview.
The third installment, Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Jolie portrays the iconic opera singer, revealing the struggles and triumphs of Callas’ life and career. Larraín’s film captures the final week of Maria’s life in 1970s Paris, showcasing her internal battles and external pressures.
As Maria faces personal and professional challenges, the film delves into her relationships, including those with Giovanni Battista Meneghini and Aristotle Onassis. Despite limitations in exploring the complexities of Maria’s life, Jolie’s performance shines amidst the restrained screenplay.
The dynamic between Jolie’s Maria and co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the impact Maria had on those around her. While the film lacks in-depth exploration, it offers a glimpse into Maria’s world and struggles, highlighting her resilience and passion for music.
Despite its shortcomings, Maria provides a poignant portrayal of a legendary figure, inviting viewers into the world of Maria Callas through Jolie’s compelling performance.
Maria Premiers at Venice Film Festival and Coming to Netflix
Release Date: TBA
Directed by: Pablo Larraín
Written by: Steven Knight
Produced by: Jonas Dornbach, Janine Jackowski, Juan De Dios Larraín, & Lorenzo Mieli
Executive Producers: Mike Emmrich & Helmut Hutter
Main Cast: Angelina Jolie, Valeria Golino, Haluk Bilginer, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alessandro Bressanello, & Aggelina Papadopoulou
Cinematographer: Edward Lachman
Production Companies: Fremantle, FilmNation Entertainment, Komplizen Film, Fabula, & The Apartment Pictures
Distributor: Netflix
Runtime: 124 minutes
FAQs about Maria:
Q: What is the premise of Maria?
A: Maria is a biographical film focusing on the life of iconic opera singer Maria Callas, portrayed by Angelina Jolie, exploring her personal struggles and professional achievements.
Q: Why was Angelina Jolie chosen to play Maria Callas?
A: Angelina Jolie’s star power and acting skills made her a natural choice to bring the complex character of Maria Callas to life on screen.
Q: How does Maria compare to Pablo Larraín’s previous films, Jackie and Spencer?
A: While Maria offers a compelling glimpse into Maria Callas’ world, some viewers may find it lacking in depth compared to Larraín’s previous acclaimed works.
Credit: discussingfilm.net
