Angelina Jolieis legendary opera singerMaria Callasin new images from the upcoming biopicMaria. The film is set to premiere at theVenice International Film Festival, which begins today. Netflix has acquired the film for US distribution.
Mariawill depict Callas, the 20th century’s most famous soprano, in the twilight of her career and her life. It will be set in the 1970s, when Callas' health was in decline, causing her once-magnificent voice to lose its power. As she spends her last days in isolation in Paris (she died there in 1977, at age 53), she attempts to find her voice once more. The new images from the film depict Callas at both the height of her powers, when she performed for packed audiences and was lauded for her otherworldly voice, and from her nadir, as she retreated into herself as her creative powers waned. The film was directed by Chilean filmmakerPablo Larraín, who is coming off his acclaimed satirical horror filmEl Condelast year. Says Larraín, “This film is my most personal work yet. It is a creative imagining and psychological portrait of Maria Callas who, after dedicating her life to performing for audiences around the world, decides finally to find her own voice, her own identity, and sing for herself.”
What Other Creatives Are Working on ‘Maria’?
In addition to Jolie,Mariaboasts an experienced international cast. It will also starValeria Golino(Rain Man) as Callas' sisterYakinthi Callas, andHaluk Bilginer(The Turkish Detective) asAristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate who was Callas' longtime lover.Kodi Smit-McPhee(The Power of the Dog),Alba Rohrwacher(Hungry Hearts), andPierfrancesco Favino(Rush) will also star. The film’s cinematographer isEdward Lachman, who has been Oscar-nominated for his work onFar From Heaven,Carol, and Larraín’s ownEl Conde. The script is byPeaky BlinderscreatorSteven Knight, who previously wrote the script for Larrain’sSpencer.
Mariais the third in aloose trilogy of filmsabout notable 20th-century women at critical points in their lives. It followsJackie, which starredNatalie PortmanasJacqueline Kennedyin the wake ofJohn F. Kennedy’s assassination; andSpencer, in whichKristen StewartplayedPrincess Dianaas she endures a difficult Christmas with the royal family in 1991.
Mariawill premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, which begins today;no Netflix release date has yet been announced. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
