Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie stars as legendary opera singer Maria Callas in director Pablo LarraÃn’s reimagining of the diva’s final days.
Pablo Larraín’s Maria is a haunting and mesmerizing exploration of the final days of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. With Angelina Jolie in a tour-de-force performance, the film delves into the complexities of the diva’s life, her tumultuous relationships, and her enduring legacy.
The film is set in 1970s Paris, as Callas grapples with declining health and a fading career. Jolie’s portrayal of the iconic singer is both powerful and vulnerable, capturing the artist’s fiery spirit and her moments of profound introspection. The actress embodies Callas’s dramatic flair, her intense emotions, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Larraín’s direction is visually stunning, with opulent sets and costumes that evoke the glamour and decadence of the era. The film’s cinematography is particularly striking, with sweeping shots of Paris and intimate close-ups that capture the nuances of Callas’s emotional turmoil.
The script, penned by Steven Knight, delves into the psychological depths of its protagonist, exploring her complex relationship with her former lover and mentor, Aristotle Onassis. Kodi Smit-McPhee delivers a compelling performance as a young, aspiring musician who becomes entangled in Callas’s world.
Maria is not merely a biopic; it is a meditation on the nature of fame, love, and loss. The film’s exploration of Callas’s psychological fragility and her desperate search for meaning is both poignant and disturbing.
While the film may not be a traditional biopic, it offers a unique and insightful perspective on one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Maria is a must see for fans of opera, cinema, and anyone who appreciates the power of human drama.