world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas
Tale
Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, lives out her final days in 1970s Paris as she grapples with her identity and her life. Angelina Jolie and director Pablo Larraín discuss how they connected to the film’s heartbreaking true story. The third and final film in Pablo Larraín’s so-called “Lady in High Heels” trilogy of female-led biopics, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021).
I’m in the mood for adulation
Maria Callas: Book me a table at a café where the waiters know who I am. Featured in Close-Up: Why Do We Need the Venice Film Festival? (2024).
We just saw the film at a film festival
Otello Act 4: “Ave Maria” (Desdemona)Performed by Maria Callas, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du ConservatoireConductor: Nicola RescignoWritten by Giuseppe Verdi, Arrigo BoitoA Warner Classics Release, (p) 1964 Parlophone Records LimitedRemastered 2014 Parlophone Records LimitedCourtesy of Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, a Warner Music Group company. Our entire group was disappointed by what we watched. The story was very small for us, focused on the last part of her life, with important parts of the story related to how the events connected.
There was a void in this version of Maria Callas
We were jumping from one scene to another with no clear connection between the sequences. The focus seemed to be on Jolie posing for us, rather removed from the charm of the real Maria. I get it – Angelina is gorgeous, but where was the spark, I never felt connected to the characters or involved in the film.
The gorgeous costume designs, but that was all for me
At the end of the film, as the end credits roll, there are scenes of the real Maria Callas – full of personality and charisma – which unfortunately were not portrayed in Jolie’s performance. No need to waste time scrolling endlessly – here’s the full lineup of new movies and TV shows streaming on Netflix this month.