Pablo Larraín’s much-anticipated biographical film “Maria,” featuring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, received a remarkable 10-minute standing ovation during its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday night. The attendees at the Sala Grande were left noticeably moved by the intense portrayal of Callas’ final days as depicted in the biopic, which is competing in this year’s festival. Notably, the film delves into the fervent passion that not only drove Callas’ career but ultimately consumed her.
The premiere was an emotional spectacle. As the applause continued with no signs of abatement, Angelina Jolie, who has been twice nominated for the Academy Awards, was visibly moved. She ascended from the gallery, tears streaming down her face, to warmly greet the audience. The atmosphere was electric, with numerous attendees chanting her name in admiration. Joining Jolie were her co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher, alongside director Pablo Larraín, who collectively basked in the audience’s praise.
Earlier in the day, during a crowded press conference, Larraín provided insight into his decision to undertake this ambitious project. He lauded Maria Callas as “the greatest voice in history who had a very beautiful and difficult life,” stressing that such a film could not have been realized without the involvement of Angelina Jolie. Larraín elaborated that his goal was not only to showcase Callas’ unparalleled talent but also to humanize her, presenting the vulnerabilities that marked her personal life.
Angelina Jolie spoke candidly about the challenges she faced while preparing for this role. Undertaking seven months of rigorous vocal training, Jolie admitted to being “terribly nervous” at the prospect of singing on film, a feat she had never previously attempted in public. The connection she felt to Callas was palpable; she reflected, “I share her vulnerability more than anything.” Jolie’s ability to channel this vulnerability appears to have resonated deeply with the audience, as evidenced by their overwhelmingly positive response.
“Maria” represents the third biographical film directed by Larraín that centers on a prominent woman. His previous biopics, “Jackie” (2016) and “Spencer” (2021), also made their debuts at the Venice Film Festival and achieved critical acclaim.
. The screenplay for “Maria” was penned by Oscar nominee Steven Knight, whose involvement adds another layer of prestige to the project. The production was a collaborative effort, with contributions from The Apartment, Fabula, Komplizen, and Fremantle.
Following its triumphant debut in Venice, “Maria” is set to continue its festival circuit with a screening at the New York Film Festival. The film’s narrative, coupled with Jolie’s stirring performance, has already generated significant buzz. This is further bolstered by the news that Netflix has obtained the U.S. distribution rights, indicating a wide release is on the horizon.
The film’s exploration of Callas’ life is not limited to her professional achievements but also extends to her personal struggles. The biopic paints a portrait of a woman grappling with the pressures of fame, the loneliness of success, and the impact of personal relationships on her mental health. It is a testament to Larraín’s directorial prowess and Jolie’s transformative acting that the film succeeds in moving its audience to such an extent.
Cinema enthusiasts and critics alike have taken to social media to express their admiration. Video clips of Jolie’s emotional response during the standing ovation have gone viral, with fans and admirers praising her dedication to the role and her ability to convey the nuanced complexity of Callas’ character.
As “Maria” continues to make waves in the film industry, it stands as a poignant reminder of the power of biographical cinema to evoke strong emotional responses and offer profound insights into the lives of extraordinary individuals. Larraín and Jolie’s collaboration appears to be a masterstroke, immortalizing Maria Callas in a way that is both respectful and revelatory.
The Venice Film Festival has once again proven to be a significant platform for groundbreaking cinema, and “Maria” is poised to be one of its standout films, potentially garnering further accolades as it reaches a broader audience. With its combination of stellar performances, expert direction, and a compelling story, “Maria” is already being hailed as a triumph in contemporary biographical filmmaking.
