Angelina Jolie's Maria Callas Biopic Premieres at Venice Film Festival

Angelina Jolie stars as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's biopic, titled 'Maria.' The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on August 29, where it received an impressive eight-minute standing ovation. Following its festival debut, Netflix announced that the film will be available for streaming on December 11, after a limited theatrical release starting November 27. Jolie's performance has already garnered Academy Award buzz, marking her first acting role since 2021's 'Eternals.' The film is part of Larraín's trilogy focusing on iconic women, following 'Jackie' and 'Spencer.' Jolie underwent extensive vocal training for the role, working with renowned coach Eric Vetro for seven months. The narrative primarily unfolds in the 1970s, featuring Callas as she prepares for a performance that ultimately does not occur, while being filmed by a crew led by Kodi Smit-McPhee. The ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Valeria Golino and Haluk Bilginer. The film's production involved significant transformation work by prosthetics designer Arjen Tuiten, although Jolie retains some of her own facial features. The story also touches on Callas's tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis and her later years spent in Paris, where she lived after renouncing her American citizenship. With a current 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Maria' is set to screen at various film festivals, including those in the Hamptons, London, Chicago, and Los Angeles, further building anticipation for its release. The film's exploration of Callas's life and artistry promises to resonate with audiences and critics alike.