
Maria | American Movie | Wiki, Cast, Synopsis, Review
Wiki
Maria (2024) is a biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín that delves into the final days of legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Known for his work on films like Jackie (2016), Larraín collaborates with screenwriter Steven Knight to bring a deep, intimate exploration of Callas’s life in 1970s Paris. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Callas, along with Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, and Valeria Golino. This movie reflects on the emotional and psychological struggles Callas faced toward the end of her life, using a blend of flashbacks and real-time storytelling.
Synopsis
Maria follows Maria Callas during the last week of her life, capturing the complexities of her character and experiences. Set in 1970s Paris, the film presents a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of Callas’s introspective moments, memories, and regrets, showcasing her as a woman torn between her passion for singing and her turbulent personal relationships. Through flashbacks, viewers witness key moments of her career, touching on her struggles, achievements, and intimate relationships, particularly with her long-time companion, Aristotle Onassis. The narrative, weaving between memory and reality, illustrates how Callas navigated the difficulties of fame, loss, and the intense solitude she faced toward the end of her life.
Cast
- Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas: In her portrayal, Jolie embodies Callas’s passion and torment, depicting the singer’s vulnerability and inner struggles.
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax: Smit-McPhee brings depth to his role, interacting with Callas and contributing to the exploration of her memories and reflections.
- Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna Lupoli: Rohrwacher plays a figure from Callas’s past, shedding light on the singer’s personal connections and challenges.
- Valeria Golino as Yakinthi Callas: Golino takes on the role of Callas’s sister, adding to the exploration of familial dynamics.
- Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis: Bilginer portrays the Greek shipping magnate, Callas’s lover, whose relationship significantly impacted her personal life.
- Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio Mezzadri and Caspar Phillipson as JFK are also notable in the supporting cast, highlighting Callas’s historical and romantic connections.
Review
Maria (2024) is a compelling portrayal of a musical legend’s final days, brought to life through Pablo Larraín’s direction and Angelina Jolie’s stirring performance. Jolie’s portrayal captures Callas’s raw emotion and the complexity of her internal battles, especially as she revisits her memories of love, loss, and fame. The film’s use of flashbacks allows audiences to gain insight into Callas’s life while being drawn into the nuances of her character.
Larraín, known for his skill in biographical storytelling, expertly contrasts Callas’s fame and personal struggles, delivering a haunting look at how she dealt with loneliness in her later years. However, some critics feel the film overemphasizes Callas’s darker moments, sometimes overshadowing her incredible talent and achievements. Nonetheless, Maria is both a tribute and an exploration of a woman whose voice captured the world, making it an essential watch for fans of Callas and opera alike.
Maria is set for release on December 11, 2024, and promises to be a unique addition to the biographical genre, offering viewers a profound look into the complexities of an extraordinary artist’s final days.
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