Angelina Jolie Reveals She Has ‘Re-Learned’ the Meaning of Diva ‘Through Maria’; Says ‘The Great Composers Define it Differently’

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As a dedicated follower of cinema and a student of human spirit, I found myself deeply moved by Angelina Jolie‘s transformation into the legendary opera diva, Maria Callas, at the 81st Venice Film Festival. Having spent my life traversing the globe and delving into the lives of extraordinary women, I can confidently say that Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is a testament to her unparalleled dedication and versatility as an artist.

Angelina Jolie has gained fresh insights into the meaning of the term “diva” when applied to the renowned singer Maria Callas.

Prior to the debut of her film Maria at the 81st Venice Film Festival, Jolie (49 years old) expressed her perspectives on the term ‘diva,’ often linked with negative connotations. She revealed that the role she portrayed in the movie has caused her to view the word from a fresh perspective.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve come to realize that Jolie articulated a profound truth: The label attributed to a woman, often termed as ‘diva’, is frequently shaped by others’ perceptions, diverging significantly from her true essence or aspirations. She held Callas in high esteem, praising her unwavering dedication and the fact that she never caused harm to anyone. Interestingly, Jolie posed a thought-provoking question about the term ‘diva’, suggesting that if we view it through the lens of great composers who valued her craft, its definition might undergo a remarkable transformation.

When asked about her connection to Maria Callas, Angelina Jolie chuckled and hinted at a deeper bond than what initially met the eye. She further expressed that she sensed a similarity between them, as both women were underestimated in terms of their more sensitive emotional aspects.

Jolie additionally discussed the challenges of preparing for the role and admitted that she spent almost seven months honing her voice. This early vocal training left her with a mix of apprehension and nostalgia, as well as the memory of her first singing session. To ensure uninterrupted practice, her children would lock the door.

In a small, confined area, she initially expressed gratitude to director Pablo Larraín for his thoughtfulness, eventually finding herself in the grandeur of La Scala’s hall. Angelina Jolie also shared her concerns about meeting the high standards set by Callas, yet remained thankful for the opportunity and flexibility provided by Larraín.

The movie titled “Maria,” drawing from real-life incidents involving Archduchess Maria Callas, seeks to portray the tumultuous, stunning, and sorrowful aspects of the diva’s final days in 1970s Paris. The film narrative was written by Stephen Knight, with a primary focus on the life of Maria Callas, delving particularly into her last phase.

At a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, someone asked Angelina Jolie about potentially winning an Oscar for her performance. In response, she expressed that awards aren’t as important to her as fulfilling the expectations of Callas fans and opera enthusiasts. Jolie stated that her primary goal is not to let down those who believe in Callas, although any industry feedback would bring her joy.

At present, Netflix holds the rights for a show titled Maria, but as of now, the exact airdate is undecided. Notably, the Venice Film Festival will take place from August 28th to September 7th this year.

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2024-08-31 05:22