Angelina Jolie Weeps Through Rapturous 8-Minute Venice Standing Ovation for ‘Maria,’ Launching Oscar Buzz

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for appreciating the artistry and emotional depth that great films can evoke, I must say that Angelina Jolie‘s performance in “Maria” at this year’s Venice Film Festival was nothing short of breathtaking. The fervor and adoration from the Italian crowd reminded me of the unforgettable Brendan Fraser moment in 2022, a testament to the power of cinema to move audiences deeply.

“Angelina! Angelina! Angelina!”

As a movie enthusiast, I had the privilege of attending the Venice Film Festival’s grand premier of “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larraín, on a thrilling Thursday night. The spotlight shone brightly on none other than the radiant Angelina Jolie, who left an indelible mark in Italy. During the emotional screening at the Sala Grande Theatre, the actress was moved to tears, eliciting an eight-minute ovation from the captivated audience – a testament to her powerful performance and the anticipation surrounding this biographical drama about the legendary Greek opera singer, Maria Callas.

The overwhelming display of affection and feelings reminds me of the resounding standing ovation in Venice, which ignited the Oscar campaign for Brendan Fraser in “The Whale.” As he choked back tears amidst the applause, it marked a triumphant return to stardom in 2022.

Jolie was deeply moved by the enthusiastic reception, visibly choking back tears and occasionally averting her gaze from the applause, overwhelmed by feelings. She embraced Larraín and the cast of the film, a strong contender for an Oscar award, pushing Jolie into the running for best actress, marking her first nomination since 2009. (She received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1999’s “Girl, Interrupted.”)

In truth, the enthusiasm for Angelina Jolie had already begun a day prior to the premiere of “Marie”. On Wednesday itself, fans set up camp, using tents and umbrellas, braving 90-degree heat overnight in Italy, all in hopes of catching a glimpse of her on the red carpet.

Upon reaching the theater, Jolie graciously provided autographs and snapped selfies. She went beyond the ordinary when she encountered a fan with ALS who was specially moved to the red carpet on a bed. With kindness, she knelt beside him in the glare of the camera flash from the paparazzi while exchanging greetings.

Maria brings together Larraín and writer Steven Knight, whose recent work “Spencer” premiered at Venice in 2021. This new project tells a compelling story about the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic life of one of the world’s most renowned opera singers, set during her last days in 1970s Paris. As the film is about to be released, it has been announced that Netflix will handle its distribution in the United States.

Earlier today at a press event, Jolie discussed her preparations for portraying the renowned soprano, which will be her debut singing performance as part of a role.

“She admitted that she was extremely anxious while learning to sing opera. It took her nearly seven months of rigorous training because when you’re working with Pablo, he insists on giving your all. He inspires you in a marvelous way, pushing you to truly put in the effort and learn thoroughly.”

Joining Angelina Jolie in this cast are Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Stephen Ashfield, and Valeria Golino.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Greece, Callas was a highly renowned Greek-American soprano singer from the 20th century. At the tender age of 13, she began her opera training in Greece before moving to Italy to further her career. Despite battling near-sightedness that significantly impaired her vision and experiencing various personal and professional scandals, Callas’ extraordinary talent continued to shine. She had a fierce rivalry with another prominent Italian opera singer, Renata Tebaldi, and was romantically involved with Aristotle Onassis, who later married Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the central figure in Larraín’s film “Jackie.”

In his director’s statement, Larraín described Maria Callas as the unquestionable greatest opera singer ever, who led an exceptionally unique, beautiful, yet tumultuous life. He explained that the movie will focus on her final days, portraying a celebration of her memories, companions, and crucially, her singing.

1949, I found myself in the heart of Venice, where my singing career unexpectedly skyrocketed. Already essaying Brünnhilde in “Die Walküre,” fate had it that I was thrust into performing Eliva in “I Puritani” at a moment’s notice, as Margherita Carosio succumbed to illness.

“Michael Scott, founder of the London Opera Society, expressed amazement when he noted that a single singer taking on two roles as different vocally as Brünnhilde from Wagner’s work and Elvira from Bellini’s in the same career would have been unexpected. However, attempting to perform both these roles within the same season seemed like an act of extreme self-importance.”

It was buzzed about online if Angelina Jolie and her former spouse Brad Pitt, both starring in movies at the festival (“Wolves” alongside George Clooney for Pitt), would meet up in Venice. However, Festival Director Alberto Barbera put an end to such rumors, stating in an interview with Vanity Fair that their schedules were actually spaced out; Jolie was expected to depart after the “Maria” premiere on August 29th, and Pitt was scheduled to arrive two days later.

“There is no way that they can cross each other at the Lido,” Barbera said.

2024-08-29 23:47

Angelina Jolie Weeps Through Rapturous 8-Minute Venice Standing Ovation for ‘Maria,’ Launching Oscar Buzz

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