Maria is a 2024 biographical psychological drama directed by Pablo Larraín, featuring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. The film delves into the tumultuous final days of Callas's life in 1970s Paris, exploring her struggles with identity, love, and the relentless pressures of fame.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of Paris in the 1970s, Maria offers an intimate glimpse into the last days of Maria Callas. The narrative oscillates between her present solitude and reflective flashbacks, shedding light on her illustrious yet turbulent career, her passionate and scandalous romance with Aristotle Onassis, and the personal demons that haunted her. As Callas confronts her fading voice and the isolation that accompanies her fame, the film paints a poignant picture of a woman grappling with her legacy and longing for genuine connection.
Cast and Characters
Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas: The legendary opera soprano, renowned for her extraordinary talent and dramatic personal life.
Pierfrancesco Favino as Aristotle Onassis: The Greek shipping magnate and Callas's lover, whose relationship with her was both passionate and tumultuous.
Alba Rohrwacher as Anna: A close confidante of Callas, providing emotional support during her final days.
Haluk Bilginer as Giovanni Battista Meneghini: Callas's former husband and manager, instrumental in the early stages of her career.
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Michael: A young journalist seeking to uncover the true essence of Callas beyond her public persona.
Production Details
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria is the third installment in his trilogy focusing on influential 20th-century women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). The screenplay, penned by Steven Knight, delves deep into the psychological landscape of Maria Callas, offering a nuanced portrayal of her complexities. The film is an international co-production between Italy, Germany, and the United States, with cinematography by Ed Lachman, whose work enhances the film's evocative and theatrical atmosphere.
Music
While the film features some of Callas's most renowned performances, the original score, composed by [Composer's Name], complements the narrative by capturing the emotional depth and turmoil of Callas's final days.
Release and Reception
Maria premiered on Netflix on December 11, 2024, and has garnered mixed to positive reviews. Critics have lauded Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Callas, describing it as "heartbreaking and vulnerable, potentially her best work."
The film's intimate and detailed approach has been praised for its thoughtful portrayal of the opera legend. However, some reviewers have noted that the film's heavy artistic elements may detract from storytelling coherence.
Conclusion
Maria offers a haunting and evocative portrayal of Maria Callas's final days, anchored by a compelling performance from Angelina Jolie. While the film's stylistic choices may polarize audiences, it stands as a significant addition to biographical cinema, shedding light on the personal struggles behind one of the most iconic figures in opera history.