Angelina Jolie Reclaims Her Voice as Maria Callas in Touching New ‘Maria’ Trailer

Angelina Jolie immerses herself in the captivating role of opera singer Maria Callas in the poignant new trailer for ‘Maria’, a biopic directed by Pablo Larraín. The Oscar-winning actress showcases her remarkable transformation into the iconic soprano, renowned for her powerful vocal range and dramatic life. 

Larraín, known for his compelling portrayals of historical figures, previously directed Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy in ‘Jackie’ and Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’.

The film chronicles Callas' retreat to Paris during her later years, capturing her struggles with identity and fame after a life filled with both glamour and tumult. 

Image Courtesy: People

The synopsis highlights the personal journey of the American-Greek singer as she reflects on her past and confronts her legacy during her final days. Callas' extraordinary three-octave vocal range catapulted her to international stardom, but her life was also marked by personal challenges. Jolie expressed her apprehension about singing in the role, revealing her commitment to the part during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival. 

With her sons supporting her, she faced her fears in an intimate setting before progressing to larger venues. “I was shaky,” she admitted, emphasising the emotional weight of embodying such a legendary figure. Larraín's approach provided Jolie with the necessary time to grow into the character. 

"He started me in a small room and ended me in La Scala," she noted, highlighting his patient direction. Despite her extensive preparation, Jolie acknowledged the daunting task of living up to Callas. “I knew that as long as I gave my best, Pablo would be okay with it,” she remarked, praising Larraín's supportive nature.

The film blends Jolie's vocal performances with real recordings of Callas, enhancing the authenticity of the portrayal. Jolie's dedication to learning opera and Italian reflects her commitment to capturing the essence of Callas, even as she faced her own nerves throughout the process.

-Sushmita Sarkar