Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes during a film's production? Here's an inside look into the making of Maria, during which Hollywood star Angelina Jolie wasn't afraid to show her real emotions.
Acting and Motherhood: Angelina's Dual Roles
Angelina Jolie is not only a famous actress, but she's also a mom to six kids. She usually keeps her personal struggles private, especially when her children are around. But while working on the set of Pablo Larraín's latest biopic, Maria, Jolie revealed a more emotional side. ‘The intensity of the movie made me reveal my emotions in a way I usually reserve only for a private moment in the shower,' she said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Difficulties of Divorce and Acting
Breaking ranks with her usual reserve, Jolie allowed her kids to see the passion and pain she was experiencing while filming. Talking about her ongoing and tense divorce proceedings from actor Brad Pitt was off-limits though. She strictly maintained her silence regarding their split in 2016 and the continuation of their divorce eight years on.
However, Jolie hinted at her journey of channeling personal traumas to deliver a convincing portrayal of the opera singer Maria Callas. Her performance, premiering at the Venice Film Festival, has shared a glimpse into the ‘private secrets' that she says she drew upon to mirror Callas's suffering.
Acting, Opera, and Emotions Stripped Bare
Recalling a memorable scene wherein Maria is nervously expected to start singing after many years of absence, Jolie was able to bring her own vulnerabilities to light. ‘I made her pain my own, which made my acting immersive,' she revealed.
Discussing the significance of opera classes in her preparation for the role, the actress recounted a moving experience. She suggested all individuals take opera classes due to its liberating effect, where you get to sing with all your might and conviction.
Comeback and New Beginnings
Maria marks Jolie's return to acting since her appearance in 2021's Marvel movie ‘Eternals' and her directorial endeavor in 2017's ‘First They Killed My Father'. Emphasizing her dedication towards her family, Jolie had been focusing more on spending quality time with her children lately.
Yet with Maria and another film, ‘Without Blood', the actress is setting out on a promotional tour. Notably, Jolie is the pen behind the war drama ‘Without Blood', even directing stars Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir in the film.
Discoveries through Acting
To play the character of Maria to utmost perfection, Jolie had to learn the techniques of operatic singing that tremendously affects an actor's physical and emotional state. She spoke about how the experience made her understand the human ways of bottling up pain and distress.
Moreover, the hardest bit for Jolie was reconnecting with her emotions. ‘It was the sheer intensity of feeling again,' she said. Indeed, the level of vulnerability Maria required from her demanded outright dedication and complete heart and soul.
Director Pablo Larraín's Extraordinary Women
Filmmaker Pablo Larraín seems to have a knack for picking strong, real-life women as his subjects, evident in his other films such as the 2021's ‘Spencer', starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and 2016's ‘Jackie', with Natalie Portman portraying First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. In this line, Maria promises to be another powerful tribute to remarkable women.
Ready to catch Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in action? You can stream Maria online on Netflix from September 8 onwards.
