Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary soprano Maria Callas, is a lush yet somber journey through the final days of one of opera’s most iconic figures. The film, which opens on the day of Callas’s death in 1977 and then retraces her last week, is draped in the opulence of her Paris apartment, a prison of her own making filled with the echoes of a fading career.
Larraín, known for his acute portrayals of historical women like Jacqueline Kennedy in “Jackie” and Princess Diana in “Spencer,” crafts “Maria” with similar empathy and grandeur. Each setting breathes life into the story, with Callas’s lavish surroundings reflecting both her past glory and her present entrapment. Through meticulous production design and costume, the film not only revives the aesthetic of the era but also underscores the isolation felt by its protagonist.
Angelina Jolie delivers a commanding performance as Maria Callas, capturing the essence of a woman who is at once domineering yet deeply vulnerable. Jolie’s portrayal is nothing short of magnetic; she embodies the soprano’s tempestuous spirit and her waning fortitude with a finesse that makes it clear she is not just acting but living through every moment of Callas’s despair and dwindling hope. Her commitment to the role, including learning to sing opera to blend seamlessly with Callas’s recordings, adds a layer of authenticity that enriches her performance. Jolie’s profound embodiment of Callas assures that she is a strong contender for an Academy Award nomination, potentially marking a significant return to the Oscars spotlight.
The narrative structure of “Maria” allows for a non-linear exploration of Callas’s life, interweaving moments from her past with the real-time collapse of her world. This approach, while elegant, sometimes muddles the timeline and emotional continuity. However, the film excels in its reflective moments, notably through its rich use of opera pieces that punctuate significant points in Callas’s story, offering a resonant tribute to her artistry and the voice that captivated audiences worldwide.
Despite its beauty, “Maria” is steeped in a fatalism that can feel overbearing at times. The film’s focus on Callas’s deterioration underscored by her reliance on sedatives and her retreat from the world paints a bleak picture that may leave audiences feeling as confined as the diva herself. The screenplay occasionally veers towards melodrama, risking a portrayal of Callas that leans more towards caricature than character study.
Larraín’s direction and Edward Lachman’s cinematography create a visually stunning tableau that captures the essence of Callas’s glamorous yet tragic life. The use of black-and-white sequences to depict earlier times in her career effectively contrasts with the color-saturated present, highlighting the shifts in her fortunes.
Overall, “Maria” is a visually arresting and emotionally potent film that offers a somber look at the twilight of a star. While it may not capture the full vibrancy of Maria Callas’s life and career, Angelina Jolie’s riveting performance anchors the film, making it a noteworthy addition to Larraín’s portfolio of films about complex women. As the awards season approaches, Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is sure to resonate with voters, making her a likely nominee and perhaps even a frontrunner for the Best Actress accolade.