Netflix Is in the Mood for Adulation

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the operatic world of cinema and opera, I find myself captivated by Pablo Larraín’s latest biopic, “Maria.” With a pedigree that includes the enchanting portrayals of Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy, this film promises to be another masterpiece. The opportunity for Larraín to combine his two most profound passions – cinema and opera – is a dream come true, and having Angelina Jolie, a fearless and inquisitive artist, bring Maria Callas to life makes it all the more enticing.

For an opera-like drama unfolding: Pablo Larraín’s latest addition to his trilogy of biopics centered around enigmatic women. After the success of “Spencer” with Kristen Stewart as Princess Di and “Jackie” featuring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, comes “Maria”, starring Angelina Jolie as the renowned soprano Maria Callas. Written by Steven Knight, who collaborated with Larraín on “Spencer”, the film is a realization of a long-cherished dream for Larraín, who expressed his excitement in a statement saying, “The opportunity to blend my two deepest passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream. To work with Angelina, a daring and inquisitive artist, is a unique chance… A true blessing.” Here’s what we currently know about the upcoming film from Flix.

Let’s have a sneak peek.

The video shared widely on August 28 sparked a shift in brain chemistry among many gay men nationwide with the phrase “I’m in the mood for adulation.” Meanwhile, the movie maintains an appropriate level of drama, considering the iconic figure being depicted and the icon herself taking on the role.

Angelina Jolie’s slayful eyewear ad first-look images are out.

One thing Angelina Jolie will be depicted as doing is wearing a pair of oversized, round-framed glasses. In the initial photos, we find the opera legend appearing somewhat troubled yet stylish in her large glasses, complemented by a beige cable-knit sweater. She’s posing behind a delicate lace curtain, giving an impression of being caught during a private moment. Another image shows Jolie looking out a window with a satisfied expression on her face, dressed in a white fur-trimmed coat and wide-brimmed lace hat. Rest assured, no animals were harmed in the making of her costumes as they were based on authentic garments worn by Callas, including vintage items from Massimo Cantini Parrini’s collection, while ensuring no new fur was used, as confirmed by Variety.

Who else is in the cast?

In Larraín’s opera, the cast consists of Valeria Golino, known for “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” as Maria Callas’s sister. Haluk Bilginer, who is recognized from “Winter Sleep,” plays the role of Callas’s abusive lover Aristotle Onassis, a Greek tycoon. Additionally, Pierfrancesco Favino (“Adagio”), Alba Rohrwacher (“La Chimera”), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) complete the talented ensemble.

What can we expect, plot-wise?

As reported by Variety, Maria portrays the tumultuous, stunning, and tragic tale of the world’s most acclaimed opera singer, recreated and reimagined during her twilight years in 1970s Paris. Angelina Jolie expressed a deep sense of duty towards Maria’s life and legacy, stating she would give her all to meet the challenge. Born in America and raised in Greece, Callas was a universally recognized diva – a term used in its original context for an opera singer still known by households at that time. Despite being married to industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini from 1949 to 1959, Callas’s most significant relationship was with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who allegedly subjected her to domestic abuse and assault, as suggested by posthumous letters. Interestingly, Onassis later married Jacqueline Kennedy, making Maria a sequel of sorts in Larraín’s Jackie cinematic universe.

How can I see this thing?

Drop by at the Venice Film Festival on August 29th, since it’s set to debut there. Netflix bought the film just a day prior, creating uncertainty about its official release date. (Too bad, disappointing.) If past prestigious Netflix projects like May December are any guide, Maria might be shown for a short period in select theaters (to qualify for awards) before it eventually appears on Netflix this winter. Get your apartment’s sound system ready.

2024-08-29 00:54