Discovering a New Way with Her Children
"The character [Callas] has a lot of pain, and our children have seen me go through things. But they hadn't experienced me expressing the pain that parents usually hide from their children. They were there to witness some of that, and then we would have moments of comfort like hugging or them bringing me cups of tea. It was a new way of being honest with them in an even greater way," Jolie shared.This experience has likely had a profound impact on her relationship with her children, allowing them to see a different side of her. It shows her willingness to be vulnerable and share her emotions with them.
Such moments on set serve as valuable lessons for both Jolie and her children, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Training for the Role
Callas was a US-born Greek soprano and one of opera's most renowned singers. In Maria, a combination of Jolie's own voice and original recordings by Callas is used in the singing scenes. Jolie trained for around seven months to learn to sing opera for the role, describing it as "very physically demanding."Starting with regular singing classes, she faced challenges in various aspects. But when the opera classes began, the demands on breathwork, the body, and the force she had to push through were a whole new level of physicality.
Despite being hesitant about singing before, as she indicated she hadn't sung before and was "actually quite shy," she found enjoyment in this new endeavor. It was a chance for her to explore and grow as an artist.
Family Involvement on Set
Jolie's sons Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21, have worked on several productions with her before, including Without Blood. They accompanied her at the New York City premiere of Maria in September, along with their younger sister Zahara.During filming, Pax recorded a lot of her singing practice, which she humorously referred to as "being with me in my early horrible days." It's important for children to see their parents face challenges and work hard.
This shows the close bond within the family and how they support each other in different aspects of life and work.
Reception and Legacy
Maria is the third in a trilogy of films about high-profile, complex women by director Pablo Larraín, following those about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. The film has received mixed reviews, but critics have generally praised Jolie's central performance."Jolie is absolutely spellbinding as Maria Callas, imbuing her with grace and resolve. She doesn't disappear into the role; she transcends," said Sophia Ciminello of AwardsWatch. This highlights her exceptional acting skills and ability to bring the character to life.
However, Time's Stephanie Zacharek was less enthusiastic, saying Jolie "plays her subject as haughtily cool and deeply insecure, but captures none of her imperious charisma." Despite the differing opinions, Jolie's performance has sparked much discussion.
Maria Callas began singing at 14 years old and had a remarkable career. One of her most famous performances was as Tosca in Covent Garden in 1964. But vocal decline, possibly due to dramatic weight loss, led to the premature end of her career. She spent her last years in isolation and died of a heart attack at 53.
Director Larraín hopes the film honors Callas's desire to popularize the art form. Jolie added, "The way opera connects to the soul and the body is for everybody. It's a powerful art form."
Maria will be released in cinemas in the UK on 10 January, offering audiences a chance to experience this story and Jolie's performance.