Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed Hollywood actress, is gearing up for one of the most challenging roles of her career as she steps into the shoes of legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic “Maria.” Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film explores the tumultuous life of Callas, capturing her highs and lows as one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century.
A Role Like No Other
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Angelina Jolie shared her insights into the role and the immense pressure she felt in portraying such an iconic figure. “It certainly was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Jolie confessed, highlighting the challenges of embodying a real person whose life had a profound impact on so many. The responsibility of doing justice to Callas’s legacy weighed heavily on her throughout the filming process.
Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas required more than just acting; it demanded that she learn to sing opera—a daunting task for someone with no prior experience in the genre. “Anytime you’re playing a real person whose life has meant so much to people, you think of that individual and you carry that responsibility. On this one, I really felt that every step,” Jolie explained.
Director’s Vision and Casting
Director Pablo Larraín, known for his biographical films, revealed that he had always envisioned Jolie in the role of Maria Callas. “When I thought about the enormous mystery that Maria Callas had, I thought, ‘She [Jolie] can do that,’” Larraín said. He praised Jolie’s work ethic and her ability to channel the energy and presence that Callas exuded, making her the perfect fit for the role. According to Larraín, Jolie’s dedication to the craft and her ability to command the screen as “La Diva” made her an ideal choice for the film.
Learning to Sing Opera
One of the most challenging aspects of the role for Jolie was the requirement to sing opera live on camera. She admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the task, as opera was entirely new to her. “I was naive enough to think that I was just going to take singing classes and we would somehow do the magic of movies and make it through,” Jolie said. However, she soon realized that opera is not something that can be faked—she had to genuinely learn how to sing.
Despite the daunting nature of the task, Jolie credits Pablo Larraín for his unwavering support throughout the process. The director’s guidance and encouragement helped her navigate the complexities of opera singing, ultimately enabling her to bring authenticity to the role.
Jolie’s Commitment to the Role
Angelina Jolie’s dedication to the role of Maria Callas is evident in the lengths she went to perfect her performance. From mastering opera singing to capturing the essence of Callas’s enigmatic personality, Jolie’s commitment to the role demonstrates her respect for the legendary singer’s legacy. As the film’s release date approaches, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike, eager to see how Jolie’s portrayal will bring Maria Callas’s story to life on the big screen.
Topics #city magazine #featured #News
