Nov 29, 2024, 9:02 AM
Nov 27, 2024, 4:04 PM

Angelina Jolie embodies the complex life of Maria Callas

Tragic
Provocative
Highlights
  • The film 'Maria' explores the last days of renowned opera star Maria Callas in Paris during September 1977.
  • Angelina Jolie plays the lead role, capturing Callas's struggles with her fading career and personal reality.
  • The portrayal presents a complex look at celebrity, mental health, and the challenges of being in the public eye.
Story

In 1977 Paris, opera star Maria Callas is depicted in the final days of her life, struggling with her diminishing career and grasp on reality. The film 'Maria' presents a week-long journey in September as Callas navigates her existence in the shadow of her past glories, confronting her mental health challenges. Callas interacts with a devoted butler, Ferruccio, who provides support amidst her chaotic life. She grapples with public scrutiny, facing questions about her authenticity as an artist, particularly in the backdrop of relationship drama involving her ex-husband Aristotle Onassis. The narrative blends the character’s deteriorating sense of reality with Jolie's performance, resulting in an intimate exploration of the artist's psyche. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, adds to a series of biographical pieces that highlight the poignant and often tragic lives of strong female figures through a lens of depth rather than mere sensationalism. Jolie’s portrayal seeks to challenge audience perceptions and evoke empathy, leaving viewers contemplating the line between celebrity and vulnerability.

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