Renowned for her strong portrayals in movies like “Tomb Raider” and “Salt,” Angelina Jolie unveiled a different facet of her personality at the Venice Film Festival.
The 49-year-old actress, who has won an Academy Award, disclosed that in reality, she possesses a much gentler demeanor than the tough characters she often embodies on screen.
Angelina Jolie finds a connection with Maria Callas’ softness
During a panel conversation at the festival, Angelina Jolie was questioned about her affinity with opera legend Maria Callas, whom she is portraying in the upcoming Netflix film “Maria.”
Jolie expressed that she resonates with Callas through her soft side.
“I think the way I related to her may be a surprise – probably the part of her that’s extremely soft,” shared Jolie.
“And she doesn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was, and as emotionally open as she truly was.”
These insights shed light on the challenges of fame and how it has influenced Jolie’s ability to reveal her vulnerabilities. Her emotional outpouring came after a poignant moment at the festival where she teared up during an extended standing ovation for the movie.
The mother of six was visibly touched, wiping away tears as the applause for Maria continued, illustrating Jolie’s profound connection to the role and the personal journey she underwent in portraying Callas.
Angelina Jolie’s preparation for the demanding role
Jolie mentioned that she dedicated significant effort to prepare for the role, especially focusing on her singing skills. She devoted close to seven months honing her voice for opera singing, a challenge she embraced to avoid disappointing Callas’ fans.
This level of commitment to capturing Callas’ essence showcases Jolie’s pursuit of authenticity in her performance.
Jolie also delved into the term “diva” during the discussion, highlighting its often negative implications. Through her involvement in the film, Jolie disclosed a new understanding of the term.
“I think it’s often other people’s perception of a woman that defines, sometimes too much, who she is and who she was, or what she intended,” she remarked.
Jolie believes that despite being labeled a diva, Callas was a diligent individual who never caused harm.