Angelina Jolie, known for her privacy, spoke openly in a recent BBC News interview about the emotional challenges she faced while filming her new biopic "Maria," where she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Two of her six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt, Maddox and Pax, worked as production assistants on the film, leading them to witness her vulnerabilities on set.
Jolie reflected on how her portrayal of Callas, a character steeped in pain, resonated with her own experiences. “The character [Callas] has a lot of pain and they've of course seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn't experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child,” she explained. While filming, the boys supported their mother, bringing her tea and sharing affectionate moments, which helped foster open communication about emotions.
The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, delves into Callas’s later years in Paris during the 1970s. Jolie’s role marks a return to acting for the star, possibly setting her up for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The film uniquely combines Jolie’s voice with Callas’s original recordings during the singing sequences, requiring her to learn opera over several rigorous months.
“I was actually quite shy about singing,” Jolie admitted, indicating that this project helped her overcome that hesitation. “One of the greatest privileges of being an actor is you often are supported by a crew to try something new,” she stated, underscoring the challenges and joys of her transformation for the role.
Maddox, who is 23, and Pax, 21, have previously collaborated with Jolie on other projects. They joined her at the film's New York premiere, along with their sister Zahara. Following Jolie's divorce from Pitt in 2016 and a protracted custody battle, the family dynamic continues to evolve.
Larraín praised the boys for their professionalism on set, while Jolie noted the importance of modeling resilience for her children. Through their experiences, they learned that it's valuable for children to see their parents struggle and try again. Addressing their mother’s challenges head-on instills important life lessons, she remarked.
"Maria" represents the third film in Larraín's trilogy about influential women, following works on Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. While the film has received mixed reviews, many critics laud Jolie's captivating performance.
Jolie's portrayal of Callas, referred to as "La Divina" or "The Divine One," is pivotal to the film, which aims to rekindle interest in opera. “If this movie brings attention to opera from one to a million, it will be a success,” Larraín remarked. Jolie added, “The way it connects to the soul and the body makes it for everybody.”
"Maria" is set to hit UK theaters on January 10, promising audiences a glimpse into the poignant life of one of opera's most iconic figures.
