Angelina Jolie’s Transformative Role in ‘Maria’: A Journey to Oscar Glory?

Angelina Jolie, a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty, recently graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her latest film, ‘Maria.’ This biographical drama sees Jolie stepping into the shoes of the legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas. The anticipation surrounding this film is palpable, not just because of its subject matter, but due to Jolie’s transformative performance that many believe could mark her return to Oscar glory. With a career spanning over three decades, Jolie has seen both monumental highs and challenging lows, making her portrayal of Callas all the more poignant.

Jolie’s filmography is a tapestry of diverse roles, from the rebellious Lisa Rowe in ‘Girl, Interrupted,’ which earned her an Academy Award, to the action-packed ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ series. However, despite her fame, her career has been peppered with films that received lukewarm responses. Titles like ‘Taking Lives,’ ‘Come Away,’ and ‘Life or Something Like It’ didn’t quite hit the mark, leaving critics and fans questioning the consistency of her choices. More recently, movies such as ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ and Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ have garnered mixed reviews, further fueling the debate about her career trajectory.

It has been over a decade since Jolie’s last Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Changeling’ (2008), a gap that has seen her taking significant breaks from acting to focus on her family and humanitarian efforts. This hiatus has only heightened the anticipation for a role that truly showcases her formidable talent. Enter ‘Maria,’ a film that critics at the Venice Film Festival have hailed as Jolie’s triumphant comeback. Playing Maria Callas, a figure of immense strength and vulnerability, offers Jolie the perfect canvas to display her acting prowess.

‘Maria’ delves into the later years of Callas’ life, exploring her tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, her struggles with fame, and the decline of her singing career. The film, directed by Pablo Larrain, known for his biographical dramas ‘Jackie’ and ‘Spencer,’ is the third in his trilogy of iconic women. Jolie’s portrayal is both a tribute and a deep dive into the psyche of Callas, capturing her essence with a blend of strength and fragility. The film’s narrative, focusing on the opera singer’s final days in 1970s Paris, is a poignant exploration of a woman grappling with the dualities of public adoration and personal despair.

The reception at the Venice Film Festival was nothing short of rapturous. Jolie received an eight-minute standing ovation, a moment that moved her to tears. This reaction echoed the emotional response Brendan Fraser experienced at the same festival in 2022. The audience’s overwhelming support and appreciation were clear indicators of the film’s impact and Jolie’s compelling performance. The standing ovation was not just a testament to Jolie’s acting but also a celebration of her dedication and transformation into Callas.

Jolie’s preparation for the role was nothing short of rigorous. She spent seven months training to sing opera, a daunting task for someone who had never sung publicly before. Her commitment to authenticity saw her sons attending her training sessions to ensure she felt comfortable and supported. Jolie’s dedication to embodying Callas went beyond just learning to sing; it was about capturing the very soul of the opera legend. This meticulous preparation has paid off, with critics praising her ability to convey the complexities and nuances of Callas’ character.

The buzz surrounding ‘Maria’ extends beyond the festival circuit. Netflix’s acquisition of the film’s distribution rights has set the stage for a potential awards season run. The Academy has a history of recognizing actors who portray real-life figures, with recent winners like Joaquin Phoenix for ‘Joker’ and Rami Malek for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Larrain’s previous works have also seen success with awards bodies, further bolstering the film’s prospects. Jolie’s performance, described as a tour de force, has already sparked discussions about a possible Oscar nomination, a feat she hasn’t achieved in 15 years.

Adding to the film’s allure is Jolie’s use of real-life jewelry belonging to Callas. At the Venice premiere, Jolie wore a designer brooch that once belonged to the opera singer, a gesture that added a layer of authenticity and homage to her portrayal. The brooch, a 1972 rose ouvrante with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, was a gift from Callas’ costume designer. Jolie’s decision to wear Callas’ actual jewelry both in the film and on the red carpet was a touching tribute to the icon she portrayed, further immersing herself in the character’s world.

In press conferences and interviews, Jolie has spoken candidly about the challenges and emotional journey of playing Callas. She related deeply to Callas’ vulnerability and the immense pressure she faced as a public figure. Jolie’s connection to the character was not just professional but personal, adding depth to her performance. This emotional resonance is evident in the film, where Jolie’s portrayal transcends mere imitation, offering a heartfelt and nuanced depiction of Callas’ life and struggles.

The Venice Film Festival has always been a significant platform for launching films into the awards season spotlight, and ‘Maria’ is no exception. The film’s positive reviews and the standing ovation have set high expectations for its success. Jolie’s transformation into Callas is being compared to other notable biographical performances, such as Renee Zellweger’s Oscar-winning role in ‘Judy.’ The comparison underscores the potential for ‘Maria’ to be a major contender in the upcoming awards season, with Jolie at the forefront.

As the film industry eagerly awaits the release of ‘Maria’ on Netflix, the conversation around Jolie’s performance continues to grow. Critics and audiences alike are keen to see how this role will impact her career. For Jolie, ‘Maria’ represents more than just a comeback; it’s a reaffirmation of her talent and versatility as an actress. The film’s exploration of Callas’ life, combined with Jolie’s dedicated performance, offers a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.

In conclusion, Angelina Jolie’s role in ‘Maria’ is shaping up to be a defining moment in her illustrious career. The film’s reception at the Venice Film Festival, coupled with Jolie’s transformative portrayal of Maria Callas, has generated significant buzz and anticipation. As the awards season approaches, all eyes are on Jolie, with many believing that ‘Maria’ could be her ticket back to the Oscars. Regardless of the outcome, Jolie’s performance stands as a testament to her enduring talent and commitment to her craft, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most remarkable actresses.