The cinematic world is buzzing with the release of the first clip from Pablo Larraín's upcoming film, Maria. Starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, the film promises to be a compelling exploration of a life filled with beauty, tragedy, and timeless music. This first look at Maria gives us a glimpse of the film's lush, evocative cinematography, helmed by the renowned Ed Lachman, whose work perfectly captures the melancholic grandeur of Callas' final days in 1970s Paris.
Larraín, known for his biopics Spencer and Jackie, which earned Oscar nominations for Kristen Stewart and Natalie Portman respectively, positions Maria as the conclusion to his trilogy on iconic women. This time, he tackles the life of “the world's greatest opera singer,” whose extraordinary voice and tumultuous personal life made her a legend. With a screenplay by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Eastern Promises), Maria is poised to offer a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of Callas' life, blending fact with re-imagined memories, as seen through black-and-white flashbacks.
The supporting cast, including Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, adds depth to the narrative, though the film's success will largely hinge on Jolie's portrayal of Callas. While there's been some skepticism about Jolie's fit for the role, her past performances suggest she has the range and intensity to surprise us.
Set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Maria has yet to secure U.S. distribution, but its Oscar buzz is already building. With Larraín's proven track record and Lachman's sultry visuals, this film could be a dark horse in the upcoming awards season. Whether or not Jolie can capture the essence of Callas remains to be seen, but Maria is certainly one to watch.
