Angelina Jolie Prepares for Role as Maria Callas in Venice Film Festival Premiere

Angelina Jolie has undergone extensive training for her portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2024.

During a press conference, Jolie revealed that she spent almost seven months preparing for the role, emphasizing the importance of fully committing to her performance for director Pablo Larraín. “When you work with Pablo, you can’t do anything by half,” she stated.

Despite having never sung in public before filming, Jolie performed live at Milan’s La Scala, recalling the nerves she felt during her first performance. She explained that her sons helped create a supportive atmosphere, enabling her to focus on her craft.

Larraín discussed the unique challenges of capturing opera, highlighting the precise techniques required for training. He confirmed that while Jolie’s voice would be featured in the film, the majority of the singing will utilize original recordings from Callas.

Jolie expressed her deep respect for Callas and the concerns she had about honoring the singer’s legacy. She emphasized her desire not to disappoint Callas’ fans and reflected on the complexities of the image associated with the term ‘diva’.

The film is set during the final days of Callas’ life in 1977, exploring themes of artistic identity and the intense pressure faced by the singer. Consequently, Jolie was drawn to the character due to the emotional resonance of Callas’ story.

In her return to acting and directing, Jolie shared insights on her family life and the balance between her professional and personal responsibilities. As her children grow more independent, she feels more prepared to engage in film projects that resonate with her experiences.

The Venice Film Festival continues to showcase magnetic stories of influential figures, with Jolie’s performance already garnering anticipated acclaim.