Pablo Larraín's new biopic reveals the untold secrets of Maria Callas
- Pablo Larraín's film, starring Angelina Jolie, portrays the last years of opera singer Maria Callas's life in Paris.
- Maria Callas officially died of a heart attack in 1977 at the age of 53, and the film explores the factors leading to her death.
- While based on True events, the film exaggerates and speculates on certain aspects of Callas's life to enhance the narrative.
In the 1970s, Maria Callas, the renowned Greek opera singer, experienced significant struggles as she navigated the final years of her life in near-isolation in Paris. The film titled Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie as Callas, focuses specifically on this poignant chapter rather than her entire life. The narrative intertwines aspects of her personal life and artistic endeavors, creating a tapestry of her experiences during this time. The portrayal includes several significant figures, such as Ferrucio, Callas's protective butler, and hints at her attempts to regain her vocal prowess despite facing numerous challenges. Callas's official cause of death was a heart attack in 1977 when she was only 53 years old. While the film suggests her death may have been influenced by drug abuse, particularly connections to drugs like Mandrax, it is necessary to clarify that there is no definitive public record verifying that Callas abused drugs in this way. Instead, reports indicate she suffered from a degenerative disease, which she managed with medications that potentially increased her heart failure risk. The filmmakers have blended factual elements with dramatized interpretations, producing a narrative that engages the audience while exploring the complexities of Callas's life and struggles in her final days. Notably, much effort went into the research behind the film, with insights gathered from various sources, including existing home movies of Callas. This dedication to authenticity is reflected in the film's aesthetic, where the set design aims to recreate her real-life environment authentically. This attention to detail provides a deeper understanding of her character and the emotional weight of her experiences, as seen through the lens of the creative team. Despite offering an emotionally charged delve into her life, audiences may find that Hollywood adaptations often embellish narratives to achieve dramatic effects. In Callas's case, while her life was undeniably tragic, it is crucial for viewers to seek a balanced understanding of her story, appreciating both the artistic liberties taken and the real-life events that shaped her legacy.