Maria, an emotional biopic, directed by Pablo Larrain, stars an incredible performance by Angelina Jolie as the iconic Maria Callas.
Tortured Diva Explained
by Alexa DalbyMaria
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
CAUTION: Here be spoilers
Directed by Pablo Larraín
Written by Steven Knight
Starring Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee
“How do you solve a problem like Maria?”
From acclaimed director Pablo Larraín (Spencer, Jackie), Maria, tells the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest female opera singer, relived, and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.
Angelina Jolie, refusing to be dubbed and wishing to perform her own singing, took seven months of opera lessons to prepare for her role. For the scenes set during Callas’ heyday, an estimated 90-95% of Callas’ original recordings were used, with Jolie lip-synching along to these songs. However, Jolie’s singing comes to the fore during the film’s final act.
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Trailer
STUDIOCANAL presents Maria (premiered at the Venice Film Festival) in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 10 January 2025.
