Angelina Jolie Takes on a Challenging New Role as Maria Callas in Venice Film Festival Premiere

Angelina Jolie, known for her diverse roles in over 60 films, is embarking on one of her most ambitious projects yet. In “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larraín, Jolie portrays the legendary soprano Maria Callas, one of opera’s greatest voices. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, chronicles the final, turbulent years of Callas’s life, offering a poignant look into the high and low notes of her remarkable career.

Larraín’s film captures Callas’s final days in Paris, grappling with an addiction to anti-anxiety medication and the toll it took on her once-unrivaled voice. Jolie, who has navigated a wide array of genres—from action-packed blockbusters to emotionally charged dramas—described the role as the most demanding of her career. In a recent interview, she revealed the extraordinary effort required to embody Callas fully.

“This is the hardest, the most challenging role,” Jolie told Reuters, reflecting on her experience. She admitted to feeling as though she were on “another planet,” as the role pushed her beyond her comfort zone both as a person and as an artist. Scenes filmed at Milan’s famed La Scala opera house added to the role’s complexity, immersing Jolie in an environment steeped in musical heritage.

To authentically portray Callas, Jolie had to master opera singing—a skill far beyond the typical requirements for film roles. Despite initially believing she could perform opera through mere pretense, Jolie soon realized that authentic opera cannot be faked. Consequently, she dedicated seven months to intense vocal training. “I thought I could sing as people sing in the film, you pretend to sing or you sing a little. And it was very clear early on that I was going to really have to learn to sing because you can’t really fake opera,” she said.

Jolie’s commitment extended beyond just vocal training. According to Larraín, the film incorporates 95% of Callas’s original recordings for scenes depicting her in her prime, while Jolie’s own voice represents Callas’s later years. This blend of authenticity and artistry required Jolie to undergo extensive singing lessons, practicing from morning until night. Alba Rohrwacher, who plays Callas’s devoted housekeeper, noted the emotional impact of Jolie’s dedication, recalling that their on-set experiences were deeply moving.

Larraín, whose previous works include biopics about Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, aims to reignite interest in opera through “Maria.” The film’s portrayal of Callas, who experienced a dramatic fall from her former glory and spent her last years in isolation, underscores the tragic dimension of her life. “We really hope this movie creates an interest towards opera, whatever the number of people, be it five people, 10, a million or more,” Larraín said.

The film also touches on Jolie’s personal life, drawing parallels between her struggles and those of Callas. Jolie, currently embroiled in a highly publicized divorce from actor Brad Pitt, finds a reflection of her own vulnerabilities in Callas’s story.

“Maria” is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, which runs until September 7. As one of 21 films vying for this top honor, the movie not only showcases Jolie’s extraordinary talent but also invites audiences to explore the poignant, often tragic life of Maria Callas. In capturing both the grandeur and the fall of one of opera’s greatest stars, Larraín and Jolie offer a compelling tribute to a voice that once captivated the world and a story that continues to resonate deeply.