“Maria” (2024) is a biographical psychological drama directed by Pablo Larraín, starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The film delves into the final days of Callas’ life in 1970s Paris, offering a poignant portrayal of her reflections on a tumultuous career and personal life.
🎬 Overview
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Title: Maria
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Director: Pablo Larraín
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Screenwriter: Steven Knight
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Lead Cast: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee
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Runtime: 124 minutes
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Languages: English, Greek
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Production: Fremantle, The Apartment Pictures, Komplizen Film, Fábula, FilmNation Entertainment
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Distribution: Netflix (U.S.), 01 Distribution (Italy), StudioCanal (Germany)
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Budget: Undisclosed
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Box Office Gross: $24.7 million
🎭 Plot Synopsis
Set in the late 1970s, “Maria” captures the introspective journey of Maria Callas as she spends her final days in Paris. Through a series of flashbacks and imagined conversations, the film explores her rise to fame, her passionate and often tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, and her struggles with identity and artistry. The narrative offers a deep dive into the psyche of a woman who was both revered and misunderstood.
🌟 Cast Highlights
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Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas
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Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio, Maria’s loyal butler
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Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna, Maria’s devoted housekeeper
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Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis, Maria’s former partner
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Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax, a hallucinated young filmmaker
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Valeria Golino as Yakinthi Callas, Maria’s sister
🎥 Production Insights
Filming took place across various locations, including Paris, Milan’s La Scala opera house, Budapest, and parts of Greece. To authentically portray Callas, Angelina Jolie underwent seven months of opera training, studying Callas’ techniques and recordings. The film’s costume design, led by Massimo Cantini Parrini, recreated 60 of Callas’ iconic outfits, ensuring historical accuracy and elegance.
📅 Release Timeline
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World Premiere: August 29, 2024, at the 81st Venice International Film Festival
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U.S. Theatrical Release: November 27, 2024
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Netflix Streaming (U.S.): December 11, 2024
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Italy Theatrical Release: January 1, 2025
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Germany Theatrical Release: February 6, 2025
🏆 Critical Reception
“Maria” received an eight-minute standing ovation at its Venice premiere, with critics praising Jolie’s transformative performance. The film earned a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards, and Jolie was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.
🔍 Conclusion
“Maria” stands as a compelling exploration of the complexities of fame, artistry, and personal identity. Through Larraín’s direction and Jolie’s immersive portrayal, the film offers a nuanced look at one of opera’s most enigmatic figures, making it a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas and music history.