Angelina Jolie Expresses Deep Care for Her Role in ‘Maria’

Aug. 29 (UPI) — Angelina Jolie expressed deep admiration for Maria Callas, the opera singer she portrays in the upcoming film Maria, during her promotion at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday.

“Honestly, for me, the bar in this, that I would know if I did good enough, are the Maria Callas fans and those who love opera,” Jolie said in a press release. “And my fear would be to disappoint them.”

Callas, who passed away in 1977 at the age of 53, is the focus of the film which delves into the final years of her life spent in Paris.

“Maria is a creative imagining and a psychological portrait of Maria Callas,” according to an official synopsis. “It tells the story of a woman who lived from the ’20s to the ’70s, who gave her voice and life to her passion for opera.”

Image: https://pic.twitter.com/zRr0fht7eB — Netflix (@netflix) August 28, 2024

Angelina Jolie portrays Maria Callas in a role that seeks not just to depict her life but to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of the singer. The film is set in the 1970s, painting a vivid picture of a woman whose life and voice were consumed by her work.

The script for Maria was penned by Steven Knight, known for Peaky Blinders. Jolie appeared at the event in a minimalist long, slim-fitting black dress, accentuated with a single brooch.

“I felt I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman,” Jolie shared, expressing her commitment to honoring Maria Callas’s legacy.

Throughout the conference, Jolie emphasized her efforts to authentically represent Callas and her passion for opera, driven by a desire to meet the expectations of Callas’s fans. The actress’s admiration for the legendary singer was evident as she shared her reflections and connection to the role.

With the film’s release, opera enthusiasts and fans of Maria Callas alike look forward to experiencing Jolie’s portrayal of the iconic singer. Jolie’s portrayal aims to bring to life the emotional and psychological struggles that Callas faced, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the opera legend.

Steven Knight’s script, combined with Jolie’s dedicated performance, promises a compelling depiction of the final chapters of Maria Callas’s life. The film seeks to capture the essence of a woman who, through her voice and passion, made an indelible mark on the world of opera.

The meticulous effort put into Maria, from the writing to the costume design to the emotional depth portrayed by Jolie, underscores a genuine tribute to Maria Callas’s legacy. As audiences await its release, the film is anticipated to resonate deeply with those who admire the late opera singer and her contributions to the art form.