38/19
I’m in the mood to enjoy myself
Tale
Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, spends her final days in 1970s Paris as she confronts her identity and her life. Angelina Jolie and director Pablo Larraín discuss how they connected with the heartbreaking real-life story of world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas.. The third and final film in Pablo Larraín’s so-called "Lady with Heels" trilogy of female-led biographical films, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). Maria Callas: Book me a table at a café where the waiters know who I am. Close-up: Why do we need a Venice Film Festival?
I didn’t expect to like “Maria,” but I did
(2024). Otello Act 4: “Ave Maria” (Desdemona) Performed by Maria Callas, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire Conductor: Nicola Rescigno Written by Giuseppe Verdi, Arrigo Boito A Warner Classics Release of Warner Limited, (p) 1964 Parlophone Records2Remas4. Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, a Warner Music Group company. I enjoyed most of the film (especially the scenes involving J. F.
K, Onassis, and Jackie Kennedy)
I enjoyed hearing the real Maria Callas sing well-known arias (although, to be honest, I’m not much of an opera fan). I thought Angelina Jolie was great as the wounded, damaged diva who, despite her bitterness towards the people who love and serve her, somehow miraculously earned my empathy. I found the limited ‘lip-syncing’ or Callas’ singing to be a great choice. We know Jolie can’t sing, and the film didn’t try to trick us into thinking she could. And finally, the device of never really knowing what’s ‘real’ as opposed to Maria’s hallucination allowed the film to delve into the diva’s past without long stretches of explanatory dialogue.
Just a little
The film drags a little. But overall, the scenes are well-timed, so if one feels too slow, we’re quickly rewarded with one that interests us. Did I love “Maria”? No. Is it for “everyone”?
An icon more vulnerable than I thought
Again, no. But it reveals an icon I knew very little about. And one who has earned and maintained my empathy. No need to waste time scrolling endlessly — here’s a whole slew of new movies and TV shows streaming on Netflix this month.