Key Takeaways:
– Angelina Jolie will portray iconic opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic, ‘Maria' directed by Pablo Larraín.
– For the role, Jolie required unique training that involved learning to sing which was a challenge for her.
– Jolie would be joining the likes of other actors who've ventured into singing for their respective roles.
– ‘Maria' is set to debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival this year.
‘Challenging Singing Debut for Jolie in ‘Maria'
Already known for her courageous performances and wide range of talents, Angelina Jolie is set to take on a new challenge in her upcoming film ‘Maria'. The talented actress is eagerly preparing to slump into the singer's role for the premiering biopic, portraying the life of renowned opera singer, Maria Callas.
First Dibs on Singing in Film Career
Generally known for hailing bravado action roles or emotionally complex characters, Jolie has never been known to retreat from a challenge. She's done it all, from mastering martial arts to performing spine-chilling stunts. However, Jolie is now set to venture into a new territory, singing. This notable step in her career will mark her first singing attempt, making it a considerable challenge for the actress.
Who is Maria Callas?
Maria Callas, also known as ‘La Divina' or The Divine One, was a respected Greek-American opera singer known for her nearsightedness. Despite her physical challenge, she gained recognition as one of the most prominent opera singers of the 20th century. Jolie has dedicated six months towards preparing for this role.
The Real Deal in Role Prep
In an interview with Vanity Fair, director Pablo Larraín opened up about the challenge. He said, “How can you make a movie about Maria Callas without using her voice? You can't. But, it's also impossible to make a movie like this with an actress who is not singing.”
Jolie tapped into the vocal training expertise of John Warhurst to enhance her singing competence for the role. Though intimidating at the start, this challenging journey has been a rewarding experience for the versatile actress.
The Balancing Act
Larraín further expounded on the potentially tricky situation of mixing Callas' real voice with Jolie's in the film. He admitted that it was tricky to balance the two voices and that not all scenes would feature Jolie's singing.
Why Jolie is a Perfect Fit for Callas
While some may question casting Jolie for the singing role, Larraín holds firm to his decision. While discussing with Vanity Fair, he elaborated, “I needed an actress who would naturally and organically be that diva. Angelina was there.”
Joining the Singing Bandwagon
With ‘Maria', Jolie now joins the ranks of actors like Anne Hathaway in ‘Les Misérables', Natalie Portman in ‘Vox Lux', and Rami Malek in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody' who've also played singing roles. The upcoming biopic, exploring the controversial and iconic aspects of Callas's life, is highly anticipated.
The Debut Stage
Maria will finally premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival this year, adding a rich layer to Jolie's diverse filmography. All eyes are now fixed on the silver screen, eager to see Angelina Jolie rise to this unique challenge. It's a sure bet that her portrayal of Maria Callas will make a captivating and memorable performance.
