Angelina Jolie’s highly anticipated film ‘Maria’, based on the life of opera legend Maria Callas, received a standing ovation at its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on Monday, September 2, 2024. The actress, who plays the lead role, became visibly emotional during the applause, covering her mouth and placing a hand on her chest as she expressed gratitude to the audience.
During a panel discussion for the film, Jolie candidly spoke about her experience of singing on set for the first time. She revealed that despite having seven months of opera classes, Italian lessons, and a supportive team, she was “so nervous that morning I was out of my mind” on the first day of filming.
The actress recalled that there were not many people in the room initially, but the crew and extras gradually increased until they reached the iconic La Scala opera house in Milan, where they had a four-hour window to shoot a scene.
Jolie also discussed her collaboration with director Pablo Larraín, stating that she knew as long as she gave her best, he would find a way to make it work. She acknowledged that Larraín was a kind and supportive individual, which helped her navigate the challenges of the role.
Furthermore, Jolie opened up about working on emotionally heavy moments on set with her sons, Maddox and Pax. She explained that while she is usually adept at stepping in and out of character, this particular film was different. It wasn’t just the nervousness of singing in front of her sons, but also the realization that parents rarely showcase such intense grief to their children. However, the experience led to meaningful conversations and deeper connections with her sons through shared moments of tea and hugs.
The film, which marks Jolie’s return to the screen after a hiatus, has been praised by critics and is considered a strong contender in the upcoming awards season. Jolie’s performance as the legendary opera singer has been described as one of the standout performances of her career.
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