Angelina Jolie’s "Maria" Makes a Splash at Venice Film Festival
Date: August 30, 2024, 11:01 AM GMT
Executive Summary: Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s new film "Maria" has garnered significant attention at the Venice Film Festival. Reviews have been mixed, with some praising Jolie’s performance and others criticizing the film’s overall approach. The film has already generated Oscar buzz for Jolie, and Netflix has acquired the distribution rights.
The Performance
Angelina Jolie’s Maria Callas Performance: A Mixed Bag
While Jolie’s commitment to the role is undeniable, critics have noted that she remains too visibly Angelina Jolie, not fully inhabiting the persona of Maria Callas. Her performance is described as "stoic" and "swathed in the aura of stardom," which some argue detracts from the film’s authenticity. Others, however, have praised her as "commanding" and "divine."
IndieWire (17 hours ago), The Hollywood Reporter (17 hours ago), Deadline (17 hours ago)
The Singing: A Triumph or a Misstep?
Jolie’s singing has been both praised and criticized. She underwent months of vocal training to prepare for the role, and critics have acknowledged her dedication. However, some have argued that her voice is not strong enough to capture the power and emotion of Callas’s singing.
Reuters (16 hours ago), Entertainment Weekly (19 hours ago)
Jolie’s Emotional Connection to Callas
Jolie has shared that she feels a deep connection to Callas, stating that she shares "her vulnerability more than anything." She has also spoken about the therapeutic nature of transforming into Callas, suggesting that the process has helped her to process her own experiences.
Salon.com (14 hours ago), The Hollywood Reporter (21 hours ago)
The Film
A Mixed Reception for "Maria"
While Jolie’s performance has been the subject of much discussion, the film itself has received a more mixed reception. Critics have described it as "uneven," "overly fatalistic," and "too adoring and reverential." Some have argued that it fails to capture the magic of Callas, while others have praised its visual beauty and its exploration of Callas’s inner life.
IndieWire (17 hours ago), The Hollywood Reporter (17 hours ago), The Guardian (15 hours ago), BBC (17 hours ago)
A Focus on Callas’s Inner Life
"Maria" delves into the emotional complexities of Callas’s life, exploring her struggles with fame, love, and her own identity. The film presents Callas as a deeply vulnerable woman, grappling with the weight of her own legend and the expectations placed upon her.
Vulture (17 hours ago), Variety (17 hours ago)
A Visual Feast
Larraín’s signature style is evident in "Maria," with its stunning visuals and evocative use of music. The film’s cinematography and production design are praised for their beauty and their ability to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
TheWrap (17 hours ago), Time Magazine (17 hours ago)
The Buzz
Oscar Buzz for Angelina Jolie
Despite the mixed reviews, "Maria" has generated early Oscar buzz for Jolie. Critics and industry insiders are speculating about a possible Best Actress nomination for Jolie, who has not been nominated for an Academy Award since 2014.
Yahoo Movies UK (2 hours ago), Deadline (17 hours ago), People (15 hours ago)
Netflix Acquires Distribution Rights
Netflix has acquired the distribution rights to "Maria," ensuring a wide audience for the film. The streaming service is known for its support of high-profile films, and "Maria" is likely to be a major release for them.
The Hollywood Reporter (15 hours ago), Deadline (15 hours ago)
The Legacy
Maria Callas: A Timeless Icon
Maria Callas remains a legendary figure in the world of opera. Her powerful voice, her dramatic stage presence, and her tumultuous personal life have captivated audiences for generations. "Maria" is the latest attempt to capture the essence of this iconic figure, and its success will likely be debated for years to come.
People (15 hours ago), OperaWire (14 hours ago), Time Magazine (17 hours ago)
Angelina Jolie’s Continued Evolution
"Maria" represents another chapter in Angelina Jolie’s career, one that sees her tackling a challenging and complex role. She has consistently challenged herself as an actress, and her performance in "Maria" will likely be seen as another step in her artistic evolution.
The Hollywood Reporter (21 hours ago)
The Future
"Maria" and the Legacy of Maria Callas
"Maria" will undoubtedly spark further conversations about Maria Callas’s life and legacy. The film, with its focus on Callas’s inner life, has the potential to introduce her to a new generation of audiences, and to inspire further explorations of her art and her enduring appeal.
OperaWire (14 hours ago)
Angelina Jolie’s Next Steps
"Maria" is just one of several projects that Angelina Jolie has in the works. She is also slated to direct and star in a new film about the Cambodian genocide, and she is involved in several humanitarian projects.
Deadline (21 hours ago)
YouTube Videos
Angelina Jolie Says Playing Maria Callas Was ‘the Hardest …
Angelina Jolie says playing legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s new movie "Maria" was "the hardest thing" she’s ever done.
YouTube (1:01) (17 hours ago)
Angelina Jolie Was TERRIFIED to Sing for Role as Opera …
… Maria,” her new movie that could be an Oscar contender. Angelina plays world-famous opera diva Maria Callas, and she confessed that she was “terrified” to …
YouTube (5:07) (14 hours ago)
Angelina Jolie pays homage to Maria Callas w/ opera singer’s …
… Maria,” Thursday, and she honored the memory of legendary opera singer Maria Callas — whom she plays in the biopic — by wearing one of the late star’s …
YouTube (0:58) (15 hours ago)
Angelina Jolie answers how she relates to Maria Callas …
Angelina Jolie answers how she relates to Maria Callas, whom she portrays in the upcoming ‘Maria’.
YouTube (0:55) (12 hours ago)
‘Venice Film Festival LIVE: Angelina Jolie arrives at the …’
Angelina Jolie stars as the legendary soprano Maria Callas in a new film from Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín. “Maria” is in competition for the Golden Lion …
YouTube (49:51) (10 hours ago)
