Actress Angelina Jolie took on one of her toughest roles yet in the new film “Maria.” The movie tells the story of legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie plays Callas in her later years in 1970s Paris.
To prepare for the role, Jolie underwent seven months of intense vocal training. She learned how to properly use her voice for opera singing. This was very new for Jolie, who had never received training like this before. “I had to learn how to sing at the top of my voice in a healthy way,” Jolie stated.
Director Pablo Larraín chose Jolie because he believed she could capture both Callas’ powerful stage presence and commitment to her art. The film required someone who would seriously train their voice for an opera role. Jolie embraced this challenge and the training process transformed her.
Though daunting, Jolie embraced exploring her artistic limits. She worked closely with Larraín, finding freedom to experiment under his direction. Jolie grew very fond of Callas through her research. “It was like getting to know a new sister,” Jolie reflected. She hoped learning about Callas could help others understand the late singer as well.
“Maria” first screened at the Venice, Telluride, and New York film festivals, earning praise. It will show in select theaters on November 27 before a Netflix release on December 11. Jolie’s performance as the complex and iconic Callas promises to provide fresh insight into opera’s fascinating and magnetic diva.
