Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie is taking on what she describes as the most challenging role of her career in the upcoming biopic “Maria,” where she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film delves into the dramatic and often tumultuous life of Callas, a woman whose voice and presence captivated audiences around the world.
Facing the Challenge of a Lifetime
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Angelina Jolie opened up about the difficulties she encountered while preparing for the role of Maria Callas. For Jolie, portraying Callas was more than just acting; it was about embodying a woman whose life story carried immense weight and meaning. “It certainly was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Jolie admitted, emphasizing the complexity of stepping into the shoes of such an iconic figure.
One of the most significant challenges Jolie faced was learning how to sing opera—a task that pushed her far beyond her comfort zone. “Anytime you’re playing a real person whose life has meant so much to people, you think of that individual and you carry that responsibility. On this one, I really felt that every step,” Jolie shared.
Pablo Larraín’s Vision and Jolie’s Casting
Pablo Larraín, the film’s director, had a clear vision for “Maria” from the start, and Angelina Jolie was at the forefront of his mind when it came to casting the role of Maria Callas. Larraín, known for his work on other biographical films, believed that Jolie possessed the right combination of mystery, presence, and work ethic to bring Callas’s story to life. “When I thought about the enormous mystery that Maria Callas had, I thought, ‘She [Jolie] can do that,’” Larraín explained. He noted that Jolie’s dedication and her ability to immerse herself fully in a role made her the perfect fit for the part.
The Daunting Task of Learning Opera
For Jolie, one of the most intimidating aspects of playing Maria Callas was the requirement to sing opera live on camera. With no prior experience in opera, Jolie initially believed that she could rely on movie magic to get through the scenes. “I was naive enough to think that I was just going to take singing classes and we would somehow do the magic of movies and make it through,” she admitted. However, it quickly became clear that there was no faking opera—she would have to learn how to sing it properly.
Jolie expressed her gratitude to director Pablo Larraín, who provided steadfast support as she tackled this challenging aspect of the role. His encouragement and guidance were crucial in helping her navigate the complexities of opera singing, allowing her to deliver a performance that honors the legacy of Maria Callas.
Bringing Maria Callas to Life
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated performances of her career. Her intense preparation, including learning opera singing from scratch, reflects her deep commitment to capturing the essence of the legendary singer. As the release of “Maria” draws near, fans and critics are eager to see how Jolie will embody the spirit of Maria Callas and bring her story to a new generation of viewers.