Maria Trailer: Angelina Jolie Transforms in Pablo Larraín’s New Biopic
The new official trailer for Maria features a spectacular performance by Angelina Jolie as opera legend Maria Callas. Netflix released this inspiring preview for the film on October 24, leaving viewers in awe of its beautiful cinematography and heartfelt portrayal of the actress.
It first premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August and received an eight-minute standing ovation. The official logline reads, “Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie stars as legendary opera singer Maria Callas in director Pablo Larrain’s reimagining of the diva’s final days.” The film begins on her final day, and it is set to explore her inner struggles and themes of love and resilience.
This is the third in the Great Women biopic trilogy from director Pablo Larraín, following Jackie and Spencer. Both films did exceptionally well, with Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, winning three Critics Choice awards and three Academy Award nominations. With such a high bar set, people are expecting to revive the same cinematic experience.
Many are excited for the Academy Award winner to reimagine such a powerful figure. Jolie and Larraín shared the process of creating the anticipated film in an interview, stating that they had wanted to work with one another for quite some time. The credited director mentioned introducing the Maleficent actress to the plot and gaining her interest before beginning to write the script.
The casting for Maria had to be perfect; it had to be “an icon playing an icon,” the El Conde director admits. Evidently, the casting had to match the astonishing character of the sensational diva. Callas was one of the most influential Opera singers of the twentieth century.
The Greek Soprano made her professional debut in August of 1942 in Athens as Puccini’s Tosca before returning to the US and continuing her remarkable career. She was well-regarded by critics who praised her bell canto technique and frequented sold-out venues. The diva made her final performances in 1964 at an age when others of her talent were at their peak, but she continues to be renowned.
First trailer for Larrains #maria starring Angelina Jolie. Whew. I am a Pablo defender and just love the way he directs women in his movies. Jackie, Spencer, Maria…. King. Angelina looks magnificent
— wouldst thou like to live deliciously? (@ElBlackPhillipp) October 24, 2024
“There’s is no life away from the stage”
pic.twitter.com/cTKch5irrR
The trailer is filled with so much emotion and depth that it transports the viewer to another time. A layer of passion comes with the opera artistry, and it is evident that this emotion is reflected in the short preview we’ve already been given.
The No director calls attention to the power behind the music and Maria’s voice, “If the music would have been different, wouldn’t that make you feel different too? The music of Callas is so charged with deep, deep emotions that aren’t necessarily sad, but often it creates a layer where it’s unsettling but very beautiful.” Just by listening to the incredible vocals in the trailer, it is easy for one to recognize its strength and be moved.
The Maria trailer is so beautiful. I’ve seen enough, give Angelina Jolie the Oscar already pic.twitter.com/El8HxQnpgU
— Ray All Along (@27__ray) October 24, 2024
The Original Sin star impressively took the monumental challenge of performing her own singing for the film. The director emphasized the importance of having her real vocals shine through on set to make her face and body gestures appear authentic. The actress underwent several months of vocal training to prepare for this demanding role. She recounts her emotional experience and calls her training the “best therapy she’s ever had.”
As anticipation builds, audiences are left eager to witness this deeply moving tribute to one of the greatest voices of the twentieth century and see Angelina Jolie give the performance of her lifetime.
The film will hit select theatres in November and will be officially released on Netflix on December 11.
Writer | Keep up with me! @alondratolentno
