Pablo Larraín, known for his compelling portraits of iconic women like Jackie and Spencer, is back with his latest film, Maria, a biopic about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, features Angelina Jolie in the lead role, capturing Callas' tumultuous final days in 1970s Paris. Set to hit U.S. theaters on November 27th, before streaming on Netflix from December 11th, Maria is already generating buzz, especially for Jolie's performance, which is predicted to earn her another Oscar nomination.
Maria Poster
The official trailer and poster offer a glimpse into Larraín's vision, revealing a film steeped in the glamour and tragedy of Callas' life. Jolie's transformation into the American-Greek soprano is nothing short of mesmerizing, supported by a talented cast including Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer. The film's aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by Massimo Cantini Parrini's exquisite costumes, Guy Hendrix Dyas' evocative set design, and Ed Lachman's cinematography.
Maria is written by Steven Knight, known for scripts that explore the depths of complex characters. With Larraín's previous works delving into the inner lives of real women struggling with public and private personas, this film is set to continue that tradition. While early reviews from festival screenings are mixed, there is praise for the movie's visual style and Jolie's committed performance, even if the film's pacing and narrative choices may not resonate with all viewers.
Maria Trailer
The trailer for Maria promises a film that is both visually and emotionally rich, showcasing the operatic drama of Callas' life. Jolie's portrayal seems to channel not just the diva's voice but also her inner turmoil, suggesting a performance that could indeed be awards-worthy. Larraín's directorial style, blending historical fidelity with a surreal touch, makes this a must-see for cinema lovers.
Are you excited to see Angelina Jolie's transformation into Maria Callas? What do you think makes a great biopic?
