Angelina Jolie made a prominent return to the red carpet in London for the UK premiere of Maria, a film about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria is the third installment in his series on iconic, complicated women, following films about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana.
Written by Steven Knight, known for Peaky Blinders, the movie focuses on Callas’s final years in Paris during the 1970s, a period marked by both personal and professional challenges.
For Jolie, who has taken on acting roles less frequently in recent years, the film represents a significant return to the screen, potentially positioning her for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
The film draws attention to the life of Maria Callas, a celebrated US-born Greek soprano who became one of the most renowned figures in opera before her death in 1977 at the age of 53.
To bring authenticity to the role, the film uses a mix of Jolie’s own voice and original recordings of Callas in the singing scenes.
Jolie has noted that there are parallels between her life and Callas’s, especially in their shared discomfort with public life and the pressures that accompany fame.
She remarked on the emotional weight behind their work, which extended beyond the simple joy of performing.
Jolie’s choice to limit her acting roles in recent years was largely influenced by her desire to be more present for her children.
She explained that as they have grown older and become more independent, she now feels ready to return to acting.
This shift comes at a time when her portrayal of Callas is being seen as a comeback, with critics acknowledging the power of her performance even amidst mixed reviews for the film itself.
Critics have generally praised Jolie’s performance, highlighting her ability to embody the grace and strength of Callas.
Sophia Ciminello of AwardsWatch described Jolie’s portrayal as “spellbinding,” while Ema Sasic from Next Best Picture commended the film’s technical achievements and considered it a strong conclusion to Larraín’s trilogy.
Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker emphasized Jolie’s skill in depicting a woman who embraces her entire self, making her portrayal resonate deeply.
However, some critics were less enthusiastic about the film’s execution. Time’s Stephanie Zacharek found Jolie’s depiction to lack the charismatic depth of the real Callas, suggesting that her portrayal came across as distant.
Additionally, Zacharek noted that the use of actual footage of Callas in the closing credits underscored the vitality that Jolie’s performance did not fully capture.
Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson echoed these sentiments, finding the film somewhat vague and lacking the specificity that would truly distinguish Callas’s unique story.
The movie Maria not only represents Jolie’s return to the screen but also reflects her versatility and the diverse nature of her acting career.
Her past roles in films such as Changeling, Maleficent, Salt, and Mr & Mrs Smith have showcased her ability to tackle a wide range of characters. In Maria, Jolie takes on the challenge of portraying a real-life figure whose life was filled with both brilliance and tragedy.
Maria is set for release in UK cinemas on January 10, offering audiences the chance to witness Jolie’s portrayal of the iconic soprano and to engage with a film that attempts to capture the essence of an extraordinary woman navigating the twilight of her career.
The movie aims to resonate with those who appreciate complex character studies and the intertwining of art and personal struggle.
