Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
On Friday, Angelina Jolie stole the spotlight on London's red carpet at the UK premiere of Maria, her new film detailing the story of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. In partnership with Pablo Larraín, Maria concludes the three-film set he wrote concerning complicated, iconic female characters after his previous films about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana.
Written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the film focuses on the last years of Callas's life, which she spent in Paris during the 1970s. The performance of the legendary soprano by Jolie raised speculation of a possible Oscar nomination for Best Actress, what would amount to a major comeback for the actress, who in recent years has accepted fewer film roles.
Greek-American operatic soprano Callas is widely regarded by many as one of the most famous sopranos of the 20th century. She died in 1977 at age 53. In Maria, Jolie's voice has been joined with authentic recordings of Callas for the singing in the movie.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about Callas, Jolie mentioned that although some might find a parallel between the two careers, what catches her eye was their shared discomfort in the public spotlight. "There was a pressure behind the working that wasn't just the joy of the work," Jolie reflected.
Jolie also spoke about retiring from acting over the past years since she wanted to be available for her children. However, as they grew older and became more independent of her, she saw it was time to return to the screen.
The critics have had mixed reviews about the film Maria, but Jolie's performance had universal acclaim. According to Sophia Ciminello for AwardsWatch, she was "spellbinding," possessed of grace and strength. Ema Sasic for Next Best Picture reported that the film is a "triumphant high note" for Larraín's trilogy, with Jolie's performance being its standout feature.
Entertainment Weekly's Maureen Lee Lenker similarly praised Jolie, who "gives a remarkable portrait of a woman reckoning with herself." Not all of them were as impressed, though. For one, Time's Stephanie Zacharek found Jolie wanting in charisma for the role, while Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson considered the film a little unfocused and generally could have been about any old grand diva.
But, amidst mixed reviews, Jolie's comeback to acting with Maria has once again piqued the world's interest in her, predominantly as an actress who can really pull off a performance. Maria opens in UK cinemas on 10 January.
