U.S. actress Angelina Jolie had to learn how to sing opera for her role as Maria Callas, one of the greatest sopranos in history. Jolie said on Thursday that this was the most demanding role of her career. The film, “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larraín, tells the story of Callas’s final days in Paris, where she struggled with addiction to anti-anxiety drugs. It also looks back at her incredible career and personal challenges.
Jolie, who has appeared in more than 60 films, including action blockbusters and emotional dramas, found this role especially tough. She had told the director she could sing, but quickly realized that singing opera was a whole new level. She spent seven months training to prepare for the role.
“When I started, I thought I could just pretend to sing like in other films. But I soon realized I had to really learn to sing because you can’t fake opera,” Jolie explained. The film features original recordings of Callas during her prime, but when the character is shown in her later years, it’s mostly Jolie’s voice that you hear.
Jolie’s dedication moved everyone on set, with co-star Alba Rohrwacher, who plays Callas’s housekeeper, saying that they were often brought to tears by her performances. Director Larraín hopes that the movie will spark renewed interest in opera, an art form that has lost much of its popularity since Callas’s death in 1977.
Larraín, known for films like “Jackie” and “Spencer,” which portrayed Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, was drawn to Callas because of her tragic life. Despite being one of the biggest stars of her time, Callas spent her last years in isolation, haunted by the loss of her voice and her lover, Aristotle Onassis. Jolie, who is going through her own personal struggles, said she felt a connection to Callas’s vulnerability.
“Maria” is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, which runs until September 7.
