Ever wondered where the actors draw their courage from when faced with daunting new challenges? Well, sometimes, their secret weapon is closer to home than you’d think. Angelina Jolie, a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, recently revealed how she discovered profound bravery through her sons while preparing for her role as Maria Callas (the late iconic opera singer) in the biopic Maria.
Angelina Jolie in Maria (2024) | Credit: Netflix
The flick recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where Jolie shared how her kids locked her in a room to create the perfect cocoon for her to hone her newfound—and nerve-racking—singing talents. The actress, who felt “so nervous” about her role, found this private sanctuary indispensable to overcoming her jitters. She underlined the immense emotional depth this role demanded.
Maria: Angelina Jolie Found Strength in Her Sons Before Playing Maria Callas
Pablo Larraín’s Maria is the newest chapter in his acclaimed biopic trilogy, following Jackie and Spencer. This film stars Angelina Jolie as Greek-American soprano Maria Callas, who is depicted in the final years of her life.
During the Venice Film Festival press conference (on August 29), Jolie, 49, faced a barrage of questions about her role and potential Oscar prospects (via Indie Wire). The Salt actress emphasized her concern for the opera community, saying,
For me, the bar in this where I would know if I did good enough are the Maria Callas fans and those who love opera, and my fear would be to disappoint them.
Angelina Jolie in Maria (2024) | Credit: Netflix
Jolie, who dedicated almost “seven” months of training her voice, recalled her initial singing experiences with trepidation:
I was so nervous, my sons were there, they had to lock the door to make sure no one else was coming in.
The Oscar-winning actress also reflected on her musical journey, contrasting her punk past with her current love of opera:
There are only certain sounds that can match that feeling, and to me, the immensity of the feeling encapsulated within the sounds of opera, there’s nothing like it.
Her deep emotional connection to the music highlights the profound impact of Callas’ voice on her portrayal. Steven Knight, the wordsmith behind Larraín’s Spencer, penned the script for the Callas biopic. Set in the ’70s, the film explores a woman who, after spending her life alluring audiences far and wide, finally decides to listen to her own heart.
Angelina Jolie Reflects on Maria Callas’ Loneliness and Legacy
Angelina Jolie in Maria (2024) | Credit: Netflix
Angelina Jolie offered a poignant glimpse into her portrayal of Maria Callas, peeling back the layers to reveal the woman behind the diva. “Once I passed the music, it was getting past the Maria we all think we know”, the former explained (via Indie Wire).
The mother of six donned Callas’ iconic glasses, Greek hair, and robe, and pondered over the latter’s solitary moments. Jolie added:
I sat with her glasses on, and her Greek hair, and her robe, and thought of her alone in her kitchen …nd who that person was and allowed that human to come forward, and her loneliness, and I think it’s also quite sad.
Jolie’s reflection reveals a deep well of empathy for Callas’ final days, highlighting the late singer’s isolation and the harsh judgments she endured. To quote the actress:
I wish she were here today to see this kindness to her life because when she passed, the last experience she had, she went out and she tried, and the critics were so cruel to her, and she wasn’t not trying.
In essence, Jolie also suggested that despite Callas’ best efforts, her passing might have been accompanied by a heavy heart, burdened with “loneliness and pain”:
I don’t know if she passed knowing she was appreciated and did her best. I think she may have died with a lot of loneliness and pain.
In honoring Callas, Angelina Jolie seeks to ensure that the legendary singer’s struggles and humanity are not only remembered but also commemorated and deeply understood. The film scored a solid 7.1 on IMDb, hitting the sweet spot with viewers. It also boasts standout performances from Valeria Golino and Haluk Bilginer.
Maria made its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2024.
