Angelina Jolie takes on the role of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in "Maria."
Chilean director Pablo Larraín told reporters in Venice, "Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream. To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift."
'Maria' Plot
According to a press release, "Maria" will tell "the tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer, relived and re-imagined during her final days in 1970s Paris."
Callas was known for her exceptional performances in the bel canto masterpieces of Bellini and Rossini. The soprano is Greek descent but born in New York, also garnered acclaim for her interpretations of Verdi and Puccini. Her rendition of Tosca in 1952 is said to be unmatched.
In addition to her professional achievements, Callas' life was significantly impacted by personal events, notably her romantic involvement with Aristotle Onassis, who abruptly ended their relationship with wed Jackie Kennedy, the ex-first lady of America.
Following these tumultuous events, the singer chose to reside in seclusion in Paris during her final years, passing away at the young age of 53 due to a heart attack.
Angelina Jolie Singing on 'Maria'
Jolie reportedly dedicated nearly seven months to honing her skills in preparation for portraying an opera star authentically.
Throughout the biopic, viewers will experience a blend of Jolie's vocal performance and the legendary Callas recordings.
Larraín told the AP, via Vulture, "Opera requires a very particular style of singing, the pitch, the colour, the breathing, the posture."
"We recorded Angie's voice and we mixed it with Maria - different levels, sometimes it's a tiny bit of Angie and mostly Maria. Sometimes it's more. But it's always there."
An Oscar Contender
According to an article on Vulture, Larraín's movie was identified by Oscar enthusiasts as a potential contender to keep an eye on.
"A film about opera legend Maria Callas... set in the final weeks of her life... starring Angelina Jolie who's making her grand return to screen after years away from the spotlight."
They added, "Singing, stars, drugs, death, comebacks - if this film checked any more boxes, it'd be a tax form."
The New York Times hinted that this movie might mark a triumphant return to the Oscars for Jolie.
The Irish Times also said Jolie "finally has the starring role she deserves" and predicted an Oscar nomination.
Making its debut at the Venice Film Festival last August 29, "Maria" is set to make its way to Netflix later this year.
