Release: 2024-11-27
Runtime: 2h 03m (123 minutes)
Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.
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Genres: Drama, Music
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Valeria Golino, Haluk Bilginer, more
Angelina Jolie
as Maria Callas
Valeria Golino
as Yakinthi Callas
Haluk Bilginer
as Aristotle Onassis
Kodi Smit-McPhee
as Mandrax
Pierfrancesco Favino
as Ferruccio
Alba Rohrwacher
as Bruna
Paul Spera
as Ronald
Caspar Phillipson
as JFK
Vincent Macaigne
as Doctor Fointainebleau
Alessandro Bressanello
as Giovanni Battista Meneghini
Suzie Kennedy
as Marilyn Monroe
Lyes Salem
as Waiter
Pablo Larraín
Director
Pablo Larraín
Camera Operator
Steven Knight
Writer
Edward Lachman
Director of Photography
Adruitha Lee
Hair Designer
Juan de Dios Larraín
Producer
David Minkowski
Co-Producer
Ildikó Kemény
Co-Producer
John Warhurst
Supervising Sound Editor
Serena Fiumi
Costume Supervisor
Miki Emmrich
Executive Producer
Arjen Tuiten
Prosthetics
Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.
Maria is a biographical drama film set to be released in 2024. Directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, this movie tells the story of famed opera singer Maria Callas, portrayed by Angelina Jolie. The film focuses on the final week of Callas' life in 1977, as she reflects on her extraordinary career and personal life.
The supporting cast includes notable actors such as Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Maria is produced through an international collaboration among companies in Italy, Germany, and the United States. The film's cinematography is handled by Edward Lachman, with editing by Sofía Subercaseaux.
The film had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on 29 August 2024, where it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion. Critics have praised Jolie's performance, and the film has received mostly positive reviews.
Set against the backdrop of Paris, the story begins with the day of Callas' death on 16 September 1977. The narrative takes the audience back to the week leading up to her passing, where Callas struggles with her health and attempts to return to singing after a long break due to declining health.
As the film progresses, Maria battles her inner demons while recalling her tumultuous past, including her high-profile romance with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. The relationship is marked by intense love but also public scrutiny, which ultimately leads to heartbreak.
Throughout the film, the influences of Maria's memories and hallucinations—a result of her medication—create a surreal experience as she reflects on her youth, her tumultuous family life during World War II, and her complicated relationship with her sister.
Release Dates:
The film will also be available for streaming on Netflix starting 11 December 2024.
Box Office: The film has already grossed an estimated $5.8 million, indicating significant interest ahead of its wider release.
On review platforms, it holds a score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 164 critic ratings and a Metacritic score of 62, reflecting mixed to favorable reviews. Critics note that Jolie brings emotional depth to the role, making the film a compelling watch despite its dramatic themes.
Overall, Maria promises to be a captivating exploration of a troubled but brilliant artist's life, showcasing the highs and lows that defined Maria Callas' legacy.
