Angelina Jolie Takes on Opera Legend in Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’

Angelina Jolie has taken on roles as diverse as an evil queen, a war correspondent, a hacker, an international spy, and a sociopath. Now, she’s adding opera singer to her impressive repertoire. Jolie stars as the iconic soprano Maria Callas in a new film directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín. The movie, titled “Maria,” is set to have its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival Thursday night.

Larraín, a regular at the Venice Film Festival, delves once again into the lives of renowned women with tragic stories. His previous works include the 2016 film “Jackie,” featuring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, grappling with the aftermath of her husband’s assassination, and the 2021 film “Spencer,” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana during a tumultuous Christmas as she contemplates divorce. Both films earned their lead actresses Oscar nominations for Best Actress.

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“Maria” concludes Larraín’s trilogy focusing on historical women, though Maria Callas may be less familiar to younger audiences. Born Maria Kalogeropoulos to Greek parents in New York, she made her professional debut in Athens at the age of 17. Throughout her career, Callas became celebrated as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, renowned for her unmatched voice and dynamic stage presence. However, her life was also marked by intense public scrutiny, whether for her exacting demands, “diva” behavior, weight issues, or romantic entanglements. Callas had a well-known relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who ultimately left her for Jackie Kennedy. She passed away in Paris at the age of 53 due to a heart attack.

In preparation for her role as Callas, Jolie underwent six months of training. According to Vanity Fair, the film will feature a blend of Jolie’s own voice and recordings of Callas, with a focus on the final week of Callas’s life in 1977.

Jolie, twice nominated for an Academy Award, won for her supporting role in “Girl, Interrupted” and was last nominated for her leading role in Clint Eastwood’s “Changeling.” “Maria” has recently been acquired by Netflix for distribution.

In what may be a calculated move, Jolie is expected to leave Venice before her ex-husband Brad Pitt arrives for the premiere of his film “Wolfs” on Sunday. Though legally single since 2019, the two are still embroiled in disputes over custody, finances, and a winery in France.

“Maria” is one of 21 features competing for the festival’s awards, which will be announced on September 7.