As a devoted fan, I can wholeheartedly say that Angelina Jolie continues to astound me with her transformative performances. The way she embodies the essence of her characters is nothing short of extraordinary. In “Maria,” she breathes life into the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, and it’s a spectacle to behold.
Angelia Jolie is “La Divina.”
On Thursday, the renowned actor from Hollywood arrived in Venice, Italy to grace the red carpet at the global debut of “Maria“. In this film, she portrays Maria Callas, history’s most renowned opera singer. Directed by Pablo Larrain from Argentina, the movie depicts a heart-wrenching and poignant tale of Maria Callas’ last days in Paris during the 1970s. Prior to its Venice debut, Netflix secured the rights for the U.S. release of “Maria“.
“In a statement given to the media at Venice, Larrain expressed that women such as Maria Callas and Angelina Jolie possess an extraordinary human essence, noticeable whether they’re on stage, in front of a camera, or even in a simple room. This presence is so potent, it feels as if they carry immense humanity within them. For Angelina, embodying the role of Maria Callas didn’t require struggle, because she already carries that weight.”
When questioned about her connection with Callas, Jolie initially evaded the topic: “There are many things I won’t discuss here, which you may already know or suspect,” she replied, later adding “the aspect of her that I related to, perhaps unexpectedly, was likely her softer side, a part of her that didn’t have space in the world to be as tender as she really was – as emotionally exposed as she truly was…I resonate more with her vulnerability than anything else.”
For approximately seven months, Angelina Jolie meticulously worked on perfecting her role, as stated by director Larrain. He explained that this preparation encompassed various phases, starting with sessions with opera singers and vocal coaches to achieve a professional singer’s stance, breath control, and body language – along with mastering Callas’ distinctive accent. As per the production team, Jolie devoted time to practicing Italian operas and arias, having her voice and breathing techniques recorded by coaches to ensure she grasped the melodies and notes flawlessly.
As I stepped onto the set, I knew this role would demand everything I had. The director had asked me to blend my voice with that of Maria Callas at her peak, intertwining it with subtle hints of Angelina Jolie’s melodies. It was a daunting task, but one I welcomed.
Jolie found that mastering opera singing was like an unexpected form of healing for her.
“She clarified that she hadn’t realized just how much she had been keeping inside, and instead of a purely technical challenge, it became an intensely emotional journey for her – discovering her voice, feeling comfortable in her body, and openly expressing herself. It required her to fully commit, giving all aspects of herself.”
Jolie mentioned that her study and practice were positively influenced because the genuine Callas taught opera and there are recordings available of her lectures.
“Jolie shared that she had an incredibly fortunate opportunity – learning directly from Maria. According to her, Maria emphasized a method where you don’t focus on personal feelings or desires initially; instead, you concentrate solely on understanding the music and the composer’s intentions. After being disciplined and following the work exactly as intended, practice becomes crucial. Once ready, Maria suggested that one should allow their personal emotions to come in, enabling them to attempt new things.”
Initially, Jolie wasn’t particularly fond of opera – “I was more of a punk rocker. I adored all kinds of music, yet I might have played The Clash more than many” – but as she’s matured and encountered personal hardships, her affection for classical music and opera has blossomed.
“She mentioned that when your life is overflowing, and you’ve experienced deep despair, intense pain, or profound love, at some stage, specific melodies seem to resonate with those emotions.”
During a news conference held in Venice, Jolie openly acknowledged similarities between herself and the deceased opera icon, conceding that her recent retreat from public life has made some people view the upcoming movie “Maria” as a comeback to stardom-focused filmmaking for her.
Over the past few years, I’ve found it essential to spend more time at home with my loved ones. This period has made me incredibly appreciative for the chance to simply focus on being an artist, to engage in creative pursuits, and to connect with all of you. She expressed her gratitude too, stating: “I’m thankful for any opportunity to express myself as an artist.”
She added: “I’m grateful to be able to be an artist in any way.”
In his director’s statement for the project, Larrain explains: “Maria Callas, widely regarded as the greatest opera singer ever, certainly led a life that was both extraordinary and deeply troubled. The film tells the tale of her final days, portraying them in a joyous manner using recollections, friends, and above all, her powerful voice.”
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2024-08-29 16:26