In brief
In a revealing interview, Angelina Jolie discusses the emotional challenges she faced while portraying opera singer Maria Callas in her new biopic, 'Maria.' With her sons involved in the production, Jolie's on-set vulnerability taught them important lessons about resilience and honesty.
Angelina Jolie has long maintained a reputation for being a private individual, but in a recent interview with BBC News, she has offered a glimpse into her experience while filming the biopic 'Maria,' in which she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The Hollywood star opened up about the emotional journey she undertook during the filming process, especially in front of her eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, who assisted on set.Jolie expressed that her children had witnessed "the pain" she usually conceals from them, saying, "The character [Callas] has a lot of pain, and they've seen me go through a lot of things. However, they hadn't experienced me expressing much of that pain which parents typically hide." The supportive environment on the set allowed for moments of intimacy as they would comfort her with hugs or cups of tea amidst her emotional range.The film, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, focuses on Callas's later years in the 1970s, key moments marked by both brilliance and sorrow. Despite her sporadic acting roles in recent years, 'Maria' marks a significant return for Jolie, with potential Oscar nods on the horizon.Jolie's transformation for the role included extensive training to learn opera, a physically demanding endeavor that she embraced after initially feeling hesitant about singing. She shared, "When the opera classes began... it required a different physicality." With seven months of training behind her, she expressed pride in the challenge, noting the unique privilege of exploring new territory in her craft.Her sons have previously collaborated with her on projects like 'Without Blood,' and their presence on this film only deepened the supportive atmosphere. Maddox and Pax were described as "good professionals" by director Pablo Larraín. Jolie added a light-hearted note, reflecting on how Pax recorded her less-than-stellar singing sessions initially, declaring, "It was always good for your children to see you not accomplish something easily."'Maria' represents the third installment in Larraín's trilogy focused on complex female figures, following films about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. Despite receiving mixed reviews, critics have praised Jolie's compelling portrayal of Callas, while some have noted a disparity in their takes on her performance.The film seeks to shine a light on opera and Callas's legacy, with Jolie expressing the belief that opera has a profound connection to the human experience. "If this movie brings attention to opera from one to a million, it will be a success," she remarked. Jolie hopes to bridge the gap between the art form and a wider audience, emphasizing its universal appeal.Scheduled for release in UK cinemas on January 10, 2024, 'Maria' stands as both a personal journey for Jolie and a tribute to the enduring impact of an iconic artist.
