The artistic production of the new feature film “Maria” is breathtaking and the story of one of the greatest opera singers of all time is as dramatic as any Greek tragedy. But the explosiveness of the biopic, which is based on the last seven days in the life of opera legend Maria Callas, lies in the selection of Oscar winner Angelina Jolie. It’s as if all the muses conspired to find the perfect actor to tell this heartbreaking story.

Jolie’s Oscar-worthy performance can be seen on the streaming service Netflix from December 11th.

What made the casting so crucial was the fact that Callas was one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Unlike Elvis Presley, who captivated the world with raw sexuality, it was Callas’ heavenly voice that made her opera queen. Her legacy has been etched in music history over the years, making this production a beautiful and fitting tribute to her.

Since no singing skills were required, anyone could have been cast in the role. Given the excellence Callas brought to the music world, being able to provide lyrics wasn’t enough. Jolie’s rise to the top of the acting Olympus made her the only performer who could bring the regal aura needed to make the performance work. Only Sophie Lauren would have been such a good choice if the film had been made decades ago.

Since the film generally focuses on Callas’ final days, the performance needed to show the pain the singer felt as her voice began to fade and the strength Callas felt despite her decline. Jolie embraces both with equal passion and bravery.

It helped that the film was directed by Pablo Larrain, who had previously explored the magic and mystery of famous women with Jackie Kennedy in Jackie and Princess Diana in Spencer. All three films rip apart women’s public roles, as presented through constant media scrutiny, to reveal the humanity at their core.

Larrain delves into a mystical approach in “Maria,” combining the real and the surreal. Callas was heavily addicted to strong drugs in her final days, and the director shows this primarily through an interview conducted by Callas while wandering the streets of Paris. The interviewer acts as a surrogate narrator to advance Callas’ story through her onstage career and offstage romance with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer).

Screenwriter Steven Knight mixes the interview with insights into Callas’ past, such as being asked to sing for the occupying forces in Athens as a child. There are also brief insights into the opera great’s many memorable performances.

What anchors all the elements is what happens in these last days. This is particularly strong in the relationship that Callas has with two of her loyal housekeepers Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino) and housemaid Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher). There are moments when she treats them with painful arrogance, such as when she forces the couple to move a huge piano in their Paris apartment. Then there are sweet moments as the three play cards.

It’s these moments that show the real diva and the truth about the diva.

The weaker moments are those involving Onassis, who hated opera but loved mysterious women, and a meeting between Callas and John F. Kennedy (Caspar Phillipson) where the relationship between Onassis and his wife is discussed. These scenes don’t have the same impact as the moments where Jolie can lose herself in the role.

It is Jolie’s performance that continues to captivate the flames of moviegoers. The actress had already reached acting heights in her own career, and that’s what makes what Callas achieved seem so powerful. It’s one thing to play a diva, but understanding the power that comes with it requires a special gift.

Jolie received a Golden Globe nomination for her stunning performance and appears to have a shot at an Oscar nomination. This is what happens when a member of the acting hierarchy competes against one of the greatest divas in opera history.

Film review

Mary

Degree: A-

Pour: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Caspar Phillipson, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer.

Director: Pablo Larrain

Rated: R for language, sexual reference

Duration: 123 minutes.

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