VENICE, Italy (AP) — The Venice Film Festival opened its doors to Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who arrived in style for the world premiere of her latest film, “Maria.” Jolie, known for her diverse roles ranging from a war correspondent to an evil queen, now takes on the role of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in this highly anticipated biopic directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín.
A Star-Studded Arrival
Jolie made a striking entrance at the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido, dressed in a flowing brown gown with her long hair loose, posing for photographers before the evening’s premiere. This marked the beginning of a significant night as “Maria” competes for the festival’s top awards.
Larraín’s Trilogy on Tragic Women
Pablo Larraín, no stranger to Venice, has previously captured the lives of famous women with complicated legacies. His 2016 film “Jackie,” starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy, and the 2021 film “Spencer,” featuring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, both earned critical acclaim and Oscar nominations for their leading actresses. With “Maria,” Larraín concludes his trilogy, bringing the story of Maria Callas, a figure perhaps less familiar to younger audiences, back into the spotlight.
The Life of Maria Callas
Maria Callas, born Maria Kalogeropoulos to Greek parents in New York, made her professional debut in Athens at the age of 17. Throughout her career, she became one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time, known for her exceptional voice and commanding stage presence. However, her career was often overshadowed by public scrutiny, focusing on her personal life, including her high-profile relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who famously left her for Jackie Kennedy.
Callas’s life ended tragically in Paris at the age of 53, following a heart attack. “Maria” centers on the final week of her life in 1977, offering a blend of Jolie’s performance and Callas’s original singing.
Preparing for the Role
To portray Callas, Jolie underwent six months of training. Larraín explained to Vanity Fair that the film uses a mix of Jolie’s voice and Callas’s actual recordings, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the opera legend.
A Competitive Field
“Maria” is one of 21 films vying for top honors at the Venice Film Festival, with the awards set to be announced on September 7. The film has already generated buzz, having been recently acquired by Netflix for distribution.
A Brief Stay in Venice
Jolie is expected to leave Venice before her ex-husband Brad Pitt arrives for the premiere of his film “Wolfs” on Sunday. Although legally separated since 2019, the former couple continues to deal with ongoing legal battles over custody and property.
As the festival continues, all eyes are on Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas, with critics and audiences eagerly awaiting to see if “Maria” will earn her another Oscar nod.
