All figures in the world of literature would have already heard of ‘Maria’ as the movie is set to release on the 2024 calendar and it covers the last days of the Callas, the infamous opera singer. As of now, the character of Callas is played by none other than Angelina Jolie. The direction of the film has been done by Pablo Larrain and follows the life of Maria Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis which has lain out the lives of the popular women and in turn has made the filmmaker grab her fame with both hands and why not when one built over such cinematic view is commendable. The movie takes off in the set up of 1970s Paris in which the great opera singer Maria Callas begins to chew about her past, and how her career reached the level it is at and what amount she sacrificed in the name of her career and moreover her identity.
Plot Overview
Set in the scaffolding of Callas’s last days, the story relates a period filled with loneliness, self– reflection and frailty. With vivid flashbacks and meditative passages, “Maria” presents the image of a woman who is always somewhere in between the cheers of her audience and the visible pain of her lone life. It emphasizes her love of music, her stormy affairs, and her role in the art of opera as well as in culture in general.
Key Cast and Performances
- Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas: Jolie’s transformation into Callas has been widely lauded. Critics have praised her ability to channel the emotional depth and complexity of the opera star, from her commanding presence on stage to her quieter moments of introspection.
- Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher in pivotal roles add depth to Callas’s world, portraying figures who shaped her personal and professional life.
- Haluk Bilginer and Kodi Smit-McPhee deliver strong supporting performances that further enrich the film’s narrative layers.
Production and Aesthetic Style
The visual aesthetics of the movie correspond with the geometry and sophistication of opera as an art form in a close way. Larraín is known for this style that combines close and personal shots with intense and vivid scenery, this time set it to 1970s Paris. Costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini took great care in re-creating all the outfits worn by Callas who was known both as a star performer and a fashion icon.
The film also possesses an important element of the plot which is sound, this includes musical pieces built from Callas’ most famous performances.
Reception
At the 81st Venice International Film Festival, “Maria” made its debut, earning it an impressive eight-minute long standing ovation showcasing its social impact. Critics have lauded Jolie’s performance as one of the best in her career, claiming it was the best exemplar of how to express weakness coupled with strength. The movie’s creators include Steven Knight – “Peaky Blinders,” “Spencer” – with screenplay co-authorship; however, the work is noted to have some while being poetic and self-reflective.
Film critics provided a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes to the film, with the consensus being that Jolie makes a compelling performance. Metacritic has the film rated at a score of 63 out of 100, which indicates that the film received more favorable than otherwise negative reviews. Similarly, audience reception has also been positive in nature, with many comments focused on the movie’s visuals and creative aspects.
Cultural Significance
The document “Maria” expounds on the life of the renowned soprano and the stress associated with their fame, as well as the pressures that come with being great in their craft. The film is also a worthy examination as one seeks to understand issues themes of identity, legacy and how to make an impact.
Streaming and Availability
Following its limited theatrical release in November 2024, the film began streaming on Netflix on December 11, 2024, making it accessible to a global audience. Its availability on a major streaming platform has further fueled discussions about Jolie’s performance and Larraín’s artistic vision.
Recommendation
For those who appreciate cinematic treats in the form of biopics based on the lives of prominent personas, I suppose “Maria” is good for you. For the admirers of the likes of “Jackie” or “Spencer”, Larraín’s pictorialism and the details in storytelling are most appealing. In addition, the film also acts as a good starting point for those who want to know more about Maria Callas and what set her apart in the sphere of opera and culture.
