“Maria” is the upcoming biopic directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie, which had its first presentation at the 81st Venice Film Festival, where it received a rapturous 10-minute standing ovation.

The docudrama, which will be starring the talented actress also known for other titles like “Eternals”, follows the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, Maria Callas, during her final days in 1970s Paris.

Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) has been tasked with scripting the movie, and he is expected to bring a unique perspective to the story of the iconic singer, exploring both her public triumphs and private struggles.

Who is Maria Callas?

Maria Callas was a prominent Greek-American opera singer, considered one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century. She was born on December 2, 1923 in New York City, and passed away on September 16, 1977 in Paris.

Her career was characterized by dramatic performances and an impressive vocal range, making her one of the most celebrated and influential sopranos of the 20th century.

She was famous for her ability to combine exceptional vocal technique with profound interpretive skill, which allowed her to shine in complex roles in operas by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Maria. (Source: IMDb)

Among her most famous performances are roles in operas like La Traviata, Madama Butterfly and Tosca. Her legacy continues to be influential in the world of opera and classical music.

In addition to her success on stage, Callas’s personal life was often the subject of media attention, and her story is marked by struggles with health issues and a turbulent love life.

How did Angelina Jolie prepare for the role?

Angelina Jolie (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Girl, Interrupted), who will portray the iconic opera singer in the biopic, had to train for six months to bring Maria Callas to life, achieving incredible results.

Vanity Fair reported that the actress delivered “a defining, crowning, at times staggering performance“. The director has confirmed that the title is described as the conclusion to his trilogy of biopics about iconic historical women.

When discussing all the work that the lead actress put into her performance, he revealed: “She worked on posture. She studied breathing. She developed an accent befitting a woman of both the world and another plane of fame”.