Movie Review: Maria - A Tribute to the Voice of a Generation at Venice Film Festival 2024
The 2024 Venice Film Festival saw the premiere of Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. This biopic, set against the backdrop of Callas' final days in 1970s Paris, provides a poignant and introspective look into the life of one of opera's greatest voices. Jolie's portrayal captures Callas' elegance, turmoil, and unmatched artistry, making it one of her most compelling performances to date.
As far as plot and direction, Maria unfolds through a series of memories and flashbacks, providing a narrative that weaves between the present and the past. Larraín, known for his meticulous attention to detail, uses this non-linear storytelling to capture the essence of Callas' life—both the triumphs and the tragedies. The film is not just a retelling of Callas' career but a deep exploration of her personal struggles, her intense relationships, and her unyielding passion for music. Larraín’s direction emphasizes mood and atmosphere, with Paris of the 1970s portrayed in all its melancholic charm, which serves as a fitting backdrop to Callas’ complex life.
From the very opening, the film sets a somber yet intimate tone, inviting the audience into the secluded world of Maria Callas. Larraín’s choice to use real-life letters and recordings of Callas adds an authentic layer to the storytelling, allowing viewers to hear her voice not only through Jolie’s portrayal but also directly from the opera legend herself. This approach grounds the film in a reality that resonates with fans of Callas and newcomers alike, providing an intimate glimpse into her thoughts and feelings.
Angelina Jolie delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Maria Callas, embodying the singer’s emotional depth and vulnerability. Her portrayal is complemented by Pierfrancesco Favino, who plays Aristotle Onassis, Callas' long-time lover. The chemistry between Jolie and Favino adds a layer of intensity to the film, highlighting the personal and professional tensions that defined Callas' later years. Jolie’s performance is marked by subtle expressions and a profound sense of melancholy, capturing the duality of Callas as both a public icon and a private individual burdened by her past.
Jolie's ability to convey the depth of Callas' inner turmoil, while still embodying her commanding presence, is a testament to her versatility as an actress. She manages to portray the fragility of Callas’ later years without losing the strength that made her a legend. The scenes between Jolie and Favino are particularly compelling, revealing the complex dynamics of love, betrayal, and ambition that characterized Callas' tumultuous relationship with Onassis.
The film's cinematography, by Ed Lachman, is nothing short of spectacular. It uses a palette of muted colors to reflect the nostalgic and somber tone of Callas’ life story. Each frame is carefully composed to evoke the elegance and opulence of the opera world. The sound design, crucial for a film about an opera singer, is equally impressive. Callas' music flows throughout the film, with iconic arias punctuating key moments, reminding audiences of the sheer talent that made her a star.
Lachman’s use of light and shadow adds to the film’s emotional depth, creating a visual metaphor for Callas’ own life, filled with both bright triumphs and dark struggles. The decision to include actual recordings of Callas’ performances further enhances the authenticity of the film, making the music not just a background element but a vital part of the narrative that drives the story forward.
Official Trailer
Maria is a moving tribute to one of the most iconic figures in opera. With strong performances, particularly from Angelina Jolie, and direction that emphasizes both the grandeur and the intimacy of Maria Callas’ life, the film succeeds in providing a thoughtful and emotional portrayal. It is a must-watch for fans of biopics and those interested in the life of a woman who was as complex as she was talented. The film captures the essence of Callas' legacy, ensuring that her voice continues to resonate long after the final curtain falls.
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