Angelina Jolie has dedicated nearly seven months to master the art of opera singing for her upcoming biopic, “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larraín. The Oscar-winning actress shared her intense preparation process, revealing just how daunting it was to embody the legendary soprano Maria Callas.
“I was terribly nervous,” Jolie admitted at a recent press conference ahead of the Venice International Film Festival. “I spent almost seven months training, because when you work with Pablo, you can’t do anything by half. He demands, in a most wonderful way, that you really do the work and you really learn and train.”
Jolie’s journey to portraying Callas involved extensive vocal training, starting in a small room and culminating at the prestigious La Scala opera house in Milan. She recounted, “My first time singing, I remember being so nervous. My sons were there and they helped to block the door so that nobody else was coming in, and I was shaky. Pablo started me in a small room and ended me in La Scala.”
La Scala, inaugurated in 1778, is steeped in history, having hosted performances by renowned figures like Antonio Salieri. Jolie expressed her awe at performing in such an iconic venue, saying, “So he gave me time to grow. But I was frightened to live up to [Callas].”
Maria Callas, known as “La Divina,” was celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and dramatic prowess. Her life, marked by a colorful career, love affairs, and a dramatic third act in Paris, left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Callas passed away in 1977, at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of musical brilliance.
Larraín, known for his biopics on Princess Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was drawn to Callas’ story for its depth and complexity. “Maria Callas sang for millions of people all over the world for nearly 20 years, and by the very end of her life, she decides to sing for herself,” Larraín noted.
Jolie’s dedication extends beyond just a performance. “The bar in this, that 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,” she said.
Netflix has secured the streaming rights to “Maria,” though a release date has yet to be announced. As anticipation builds for Jolie’s portrayal of Callas, the actress remains focused on honoring the legacy of one of opera’s most revered figures.
