Angelina Jolie and Pablo Larraín Reveal How Opera Shaped Their Film ‘Maria’
Angelina Jolie and Pablo Larraín have long wanted to collaborate, and their new project, Maria, represents the culmination of this creative desire. With Larraín crafting his vision and Jolie embodying the role, their film explores the life of Greek opera diva Maria Callas in her final days. As Maria makes waves at festivals like Venice and Telluride, it has also sparked a renewed conversation about how opera influences film.
The Journey to ‘Maria’
When Larraín first conceived Maria, he had Jolie in mind even before the script was written. The film is the third instalment in Larraín’s Great Woman trilogy, following Jackie and Spencer. With its recent debut at the Venice Film Festival and Telluride, Maria is generating buzz and could mark Jolie’s return to the Oscars spotlight.
In Maria, Jolie portrays Callas during her turbulent final days in Paris, 1977. As Callas grapples with losing her voice and battling drug-induced hallucinations, she reminisces about her past while navigating the streets of Paris. The film features striking black-and-white flashbacks and poignant scenes that capture Callas’s emotional depth.
Opera’s Influence on ‘Maria’
Angelina Jolie: Working on Maria was an immersive experience. Our preparation involved deeply engaging with opera’s emotional spectrum. When we discussed the script and the character, we spent a lot of time listening to opera. I was particularly struck by how opera can convey emotions that are often beyond description. Callas’s artistry and personal struggles reflect a profound depth of feeling.
Pablo Larraín: What viewers perceive as pain in Callas’s close-ups is profoundly shaped by the music. Callas’s operatic repertoire, filled with intense emotion, creates a unique atmosphere. It’s not just about sadness; it’s about a transformative beauty that touches on something transcendent. The film’s opening scene, featuring Callas singing “Ave Maria,” is designed to immerse the audience in this emotional depth.
Jolie’s Exploration of Opera
Angelina Jolie: Before Maria, my exposure to opera was limited. Growing up in Los Angeles, opera wasn’t a significant part of my cultural experience. Diving into Callas’s world was a revelation. Learning about her life and the emotional range of opera profoundly impacted me. Opera’s ability to resonate with personal experiences and emotions is unparalleled.
Pablo Larraín: For Jolie, preparing for the role involved extensive research. She trained with vocal coaches for posture, breathing, and accent, crucial for her portrayal of Callas. Unlike pop music, opera requires precise pitch and structural adherence, a challenge that Jolie embraced with dedication.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Callas’s Voice
Angelina Jolie: The process of singing on-screen was nerve-wracking. We had six months of preparation, but the day of filming was still daunting. Performing in close-up, while recording my voice, was an intense experience.
Pablo Larraín: We used a mix of Jolie’s voice and actual recordings of Callas. The goal was to capture every nuance of Jolie’s performance while maintaining Callas’s essence. Jolie wore an earpiece during filming to synchronise her singing with the on-screen action, ensuring an authentic portrayal.
Challenges and Triumphs in Portraying Callas
Angelina Jolie: Callas’s life was marked by profound challenges, including her drug use and personal struggles. The film doesn’t shy away from these aspects, portraying them with sensitivity and nuance. The portrayal of Callas’s drug-induced states and their impact on her mental state adds depth to her character.
Pablo Larraín: We approached Callas’s drug use with care, aiming to reflect its effects on her life and art authentically. The film’s script explores how these substances affected her performances and personal reflections, adding a layer of complexity to her character.
Costumes and Transformation
Angelina Jolie: The costumes by Massimo Cantini Parrini played a crucial role in transforming me into Callas. Each outfit was meticulously designed to reflect Callas’s glamour and vulnerability. The costumes helped anchor the character and made the portrayal feel more authentic.
Pablo Larraín: The costumes are integral to depicting Callas’s transformation and emotional journey. They enhance the visual storytelling, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with Callas’s character.
Reflecting on the Trilogy and Future Projects
Anne Thompson: Pablo, is this the end of your famous women trilogy? You’ve said it’s ‘final’, but is anything ever truly final?
Pablo Larraín: The trilogy wasn’t planned but evolved naturally. While Maria may be the final instalment for now, the exploration of iconic figures continues to inspire me. Each project brings new insights and challenges, keeping the creative journey dynamic.
Angelina Jolie: Working on Maria has been an incredible experience. It’s a testament to the power of opera and the depth of Callas’s life and art. I hope audiences find as much meaning in the film as we found in creating it.
Conclusion: ‘Maria’ and the Power of Opera
Maria offers a powerful exploration of Maria Callas’s final days, blending opera’s emotional richness with cinematic storytelling. Jolie and Larraín’s collaboration highlights how deeply opera can influence and enhance film, providing a unique perspective on Callas’s life and artistry.
