Mandagsfilmen: Maria

Angelina Jolie is back in front of the camera in this year’s closing film, Maria. After Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021), Pablo Larraín concludes his “Lady with Heels” trilogy with a film about the life and career of opera singer Maria Callas.

On September 16, 1977, Maria (Angelina Jolie) is found dead in her apartment by her butler Ferruccio and housekeeper Bruna, who have been her loyal companions for many years. The story of Maria Callas thus begins at the end, and we see glimpses of her life and what led her to this moment. Director Larraín blends dreamlike imagery with heart-wrenching musical performances. In Maria, the emotions of Callas—masterfully portrayed by Jolie—are deeply felt.

Jolie was the only choice for the title role when Pablo Larraín set out to depict the final days of Maria Callas. Jolie trained for months with an opera singer to prepare for the role, and in the film, we hear a mix of Jolie’s own voice and recordings of Callas herself.

Angelina Jolie was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role as Maria. The film has also been nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.