Angelina Jolie Returns to the Big Screen in 'Maria'

Angelina Jolie makes a striking return to cinema with her portrayal of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in the new film 'Maria'. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, delves into the later years of Callas's life, focusing on her time in Paris during the 1970s.

Maria Callas, renowned for her extraordinary talent, spent her final days largely in solitude, a theme that resonates with Jolie, who has expressed a deep connection with the character. In preparation for this role, Jolie dedicated seven months to intensive opera training, aiming to authentically embody Callas's complex persona.

The narrative unfolds as a visually captivating chamber piece, exploring Callas's struggles with fame, personal isolation, and her fluctuating relationship with her artistry. The film features a blend of Jolie's vocal performance and Callas's original recordings, highlighting the emotional depth of the character.

As the story progresses, it presents Callas as a multifaceted individual, both vulnerable and commanding. The film illustrates her struggles with her health, her complex relationships, and her yearning for a comeback, even as her voice falters.

Director Pablo Larraín, known for his previous works 'Jackie' and 'Spencer', emphasizes the societal pressures that shaped Callas's life. He portrays her as a figure trapped by public expectation and personal turmoil, stating that she was 'confined' to her home, deeply affected by external judgments and her own familial conflicts.

The film also features scenes of Callas reflecting on her past, including memories of her passionate relationship with Aristoteles Onassis and her celebrated career, interspersed with introspective interviews with a young journalist. This narrative technique blurs the line between reality and imagination, adding layers to the storytelling.

While visually stunning and meticulously crafted, Larraín's film does not follow a conventional biopic format. Instead, it invites viewers to contemplate broader themes surrounding the lives of women under societal scrutiny, a recurring motif in Larraín's work.

Jolie's own experiences with isolation and public perception inform her performance, as she acknowledges the vulnerabilities that lie beneath a seemingly strong exterior. In interviews, she has shared her evolving appreciation for opera, indicating that the art form resonates with her personal journey and emotional experiences.

'Maria' stands as a testament to both Jolie's dedication as an artist and the enduring legacy of Callas, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman whose brilliance came at a considerable personal cost.