At the North American premiere of Pablo Larraín’s biopic Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, the actress showcased her formidable talent.
The film was screened at the Telluride Film Festival, where Jolie’s performance sparked comparisons to Al Pacino’s famous line from The Godfather Part III:
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!”
It has been a long time since Jolie was in the Oscar conversation. Her last nomination was for her role in Changeling (2008). Since then, she has appeared in blockbuster films like Salt and Maleficent, and directed projects such as Unbroken. However, her portrayal of Callas in Maria is a powerful reminder of her acting prowess. This transformative role could earn her another Oscar nomination, placing her alongside the frontrunners for the award, which she previously won for Girl, Interrupted in 1999.
Jolie’s performance is a culmination of 25 years of dedication to her craft. In the film’s final scenes, her emotional depth is palpable, with visible tension as she embodies Callas’s struggles. This moment is sure to be a highlight in awards discussions.
The parallels between Jolie’s life and Callas’s story add depth to her performance. Both women are public figures who have faced scrutiny and misunderstanding. Hollywood often embraces a comeback narrative, and Jolie’s return to serious acting could mirror Renée Zellweger’s success after her role in Judy, which earned her significant acclaim following a hiatus from the spotlight.
Maria is part of Larraín’s trilogy focusing on iconic women, which includes Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). This latest film is considered the strongest of the three, featuring a compelling script by Oscar nominee Steven Knight. While Larraín’s previous films have been described as “horror biopics,” Maria takes a different approach, using a fantastical musical style that aligns with a year filled with unconventional musicals vying for Oscar recognition.
It’s important to note that while Larraín’s past films have garnered nominations for their lead actors, they have not received significant attention in other categories. With Maria being released by Netflix, there is hope for a broader recognition of its artistic merits.
The film features stunning cinematography by Edward Lachman, who introduced the movie at Telluride, alongside Jolie and Larraín. The costumes by Massimo Cantini Parrini and the production design by Guy Hendrix Dyas and Sandro Piccarozzi are also expected to be contenders in their respective categories. Additionally, attention should be paid to the makeup and hairstyling category, given the recent trends of winning films in this area.
With Netflix’s backing, Maria is positioned to perform well in the awards race, despite mixed early reviews. Jolie’s potential for an Oscar win is something the streaming service will likely pursue, especially as she balances other projects like Emilia Perez, The Piano Lesson, and His Three Daughters.
The film is set to release in theaters on September 20, 2024, before debuting on Apple TV+ on September 27, 2024. As Jolie steps back into the spotlight, all eyes will be on her performance as Maria Callas, a role that could redefine her career and potentially lead to a second Academy Award.
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