Angelina Jolie Transforms into Opera Legend Maria Callas for Venice Premiere

Angelina Jolie is set to captivate audiences with her portrayal of legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's latest film, "Maria." The movie is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2024, marking a significant addition to Jolie's diverse acting repertoire.

This film completes Larraín's trilogy focusing on iconic women, following his previous works "Jackie" (2016) and "Spencer" (2021). These earlier films, which premiered at Venice Film Festival 8 and 3 years ago respectively, earned Oscar nominations for their lead actresses.

Maria Callas, born Maria Kalogeropoulos on December 2, 1923, in New York City, rose to become one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. Known as "La Divina" by her admirers, Callas made her professional debut in Athens in 1941 at the age of 18. Her career was marked by exceptional vocal range, dramatic interpretations, and a significant impact on the world of opera.

Jolie's preparation for the role was intensive, with reports indicating she trained for six months to embody Callas. The film focuses on the final week of Callas's life in 1977, 47 years ago, and employs a blend of Jolie's acting and Callas's actual voice for the singing portions.

Throughout her career, Callas was known for her interpretations of bel canto operas by Bellini and Donizetti. She was multilingual, fluent in Greek, Italian, French, and English, which contributed to her international appeal. Callas's life was not without controversy, including a long-standing rivalry with soprano Renata Tebaldi and a highly publicized relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis from 1959 to 1968.

"An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house."

"Maria" has been acquired by Netflix for distribution, ensuring a wide audience for this exploration of Callas's final days. The film is among 21 features competing for the Venice Film Festival's awards, with winners to be announced on September 7, 2024.

Interestingly, Brad Pitt, Jolie's ex-husband, is also scheduled to attend the festival for the premiere of his film "Wolfs" on September 1, 2024. Despite being legally single since 2019, the former couple continues to address legal matters related to their separation.

Callas's legacy extends beyond her performances. She was awarded the Légion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit, in 1960, and even has an asteroid named after her - 29834 Mariacallas. Her life continues to fascinate, having been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, with Jolie's portrayal set to add another dimension to the ongoing cultural conversation about this extraordinary artist.