Anna Daniels
Pablo Larraín, renowned for his captivating depictions of prominent women in films like Jackie and Spencer, returns with Maria, a biographical film focused on the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. The movie premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival and stars Angelina Jolie as Callas, highlighting her dramatic final years in 1970s Paris. Set for U.S. release on November 27th and streaming on Netflix starting December 11th, Maria is already stirring excitement, particularly surrounding Jolie’s performance, which is anticipated to lead to another Oscar nomination for her.
Maria Poster
The newly released trailer and poster provide insight into Larraín’s artistic vision, presenting a narrative filled with both the glamor and misfortunes of Callas’ existence. Jolie’s stunning transformation into the American-Greek singer is highlighted alongside a skilled ensemble cast, which includes Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer. The film’s visual allure is elevated by Massimo Cantini Parrini’s beautiful costumes, Guy Hendrix Dyas’ evocative set designs, and Ed Lachman’s expert cinematography.
Written by Steven Knight, acclaimed for his in-depth character explorations, Maria aligns with Larraín’s earlier works that examine the lives of real women grappling with their public and personal identities. Although initial festival reviews have been mixed, many commend the film’s visual elements and Jolie’s powerful performance, despite some criticisms regarding the pacing and storytelling choices.
Maria Trailer
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The Maria trailer suggests a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, emphasizing Callas’ operatic life journey. Jolie appears to embody not only the diva’s voice but also her inner struggles, hinting at a performance worthy of accolades. Larraín’s unique directorial approach, fusing historical accuracy with a surreal atmosphere, makes this film a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
Are you looking forward to Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas? What qualities do you believe define an exceptional biopic?
