Angelina Jolie recently took center stage at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles to present her latest film, Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. Known for his biographical films like Jackie and Spencer, Larraín now brings to life the story of opera legend Maria Callas, focusing on her later years in 1970s Paris as she struggles to regain her famous voice. For Jolie, playing Callas offered a rare opportunity to push her artistic boundaries and reconnect with her creative side.
Jolie has previously taken on complex roles, but she described Maria as uniquely challenging, saying it pushed her to “give everything.” In a post-screening Q&A, moderated by filmmaker Barry Jenkins, Jolie revealed that her work on Maria was unlike anything she’d experienced before. “There haven’t been many moments in my career where I’m asked to give everything I’ve got,” she admitted. “It’s a huge gift as an artist, to be allowed to dive into a role so fully.”
The Challenge of Opera for Jolie
Preparing to portray the iconic diva was no easy task for Jolie, especially given Callas’ history as one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Jolie shared that she initially underestimated the complexity of singing opera, joking, “When I was asked if I could sing, I thought, ‘I’ll just sing like an actor would.’ But it’s a different world; opera requires a lot more.” She described her seven-month vocal training as an “emotional, special, and terrifying journey.” Her immersion in Callas’ world included intense training to reach the vocal demands of the role, allowing her to understand, if only partially, the dedication and precision needed in opera.
According to Larraín, Jolie was irreplaceable for this project. He emphasized that her ability to convey Callas’ larger-than-life presence was essential, adding that the role needed someone willing to embrace both the glamour and vulnerability of the character. Larraín’s choice of Jolie came from her disciplined approach to artistry and openness to tackle the fears associated with learning opera.
Rediscovering Her Voice
While preparing for the role, Jolie discovered a new aspect of herself. She shared that, despite her years in Hollywood, she still felt nervous about singing. “I still don’t consider myself a singer,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. Yet, through her training, she found something unexpected: a personal connection to Callas’ journey to rediscover her voice. Jolie explained that she’d never fully unleashed her vocal ability before this role, noting that, much like Callas, she’d felt a sort of awakening. “I’d never had support to sing at the top of my voice, and through this role, I think I did find my voice again,” she said.
In the process, Jolie developed a profound connection to Callas, describing her as a “sister.” She explained that stepping into Callas’ shoes allowed her to understand the opera singer’s vulnerabilities, struggles, and passion on a deeper level. Jolie added, “After seven months of vocal training, I don’t think I’ve entirely let go of her. I’ll always hear her music differently now like she’s a part of me.”
Larraín’s Vision and Jolie’s Trust
Maria marks Larraín’s third biographical exploration of a famous woman in history, following the lives of Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana in his films Jackie and Spencer. His latest work sheds light on Callas’ life in a way that goes beyond her public image as an opera diva. With Maria, Larraín sought to capture the intense human experience behind Callas’ iconic voice, which was as fragile as it was powerful.
For Jolie, Larraín’s vision and guidance were crucial. She explained that his support allowed her to face the demands of the role with confidence. “With Pablo, I knew I had a safe place to fail, and that allowed me to be free,” she said.
When and Where to Watch Maria
Maria will be released in select theaters on November 27, before streaming on Netflix from December 11. Fans of Jolie and Callas can look forward to a compelling portrayal of one of opera’s most celebrated figures and the story of a woman rediscovering her voice, both on stage and within herself.
