Angelina Jolie’s Journey to Become Maria Callas
Overcoming Fears and Achieving Greatness
Angelina Jolie is doing it the hard way. She’s playing an opera singer in "Maria" and could have easily faked it with lip-synching. Instead, Jolie, the Oscar-winning actress, decided to conquer her fear of singing with a little help from the legendary opera singer she’s portraying, Maria Callas.
From Fear to Mastery
Jolie revealed that she was terrified of singing, saying, "I was very good to me in that we started in a more intimate first. With very few crew members. We ended at La Scala with everyone, so I had a little time to get my nerve. But this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was terrified."
The Right Teacher
Jolie had a perfect mentor in Callas herself, who taught classes at Juilliard. She studied audio recordings of Callas’ explanations on how to sing, making her "the best teacher" Jolie had. With Jolie’s dedication and Callas’ guidance, she was able to master the art of singing.
Capturing the Essence of Maria Callas
From a directing point of view, Jolie was perfect for the film, according to director Pablo Larraín. "Maria Callas is someone that captivated people not only by singing, but also by hiding things. That dance of feelings and sensibility I think was captured by Angie very quickly." Jolie’s on-screen presence was crucial in capturing the essence of Callas’ complex personality.
Finding Connection and Relatability
Jolie found a connection with Callas through her personal struggles and insecurities. "When I put the big glasses on, and her Greek hair and I sat in my little robe as an older lady. I felt like her, the private her that the world didn’t know. And I connected to her first." This connection helped Jolie reveal the human side of Callas, making her more relatable to audiences.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s journey to become Maria Callas was not an easy one. She faced her fears and achieved greatness through dedication and guidance from her mentor, Maria Callas. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is a testament to her talent and perseverance, bringing to life the complex and intriguing character of the world’s greatest opera singer.
FAQs
Q: How did Angelina Jolie prepare for her role as Maria Callas?
A: Jolie trained for months, starting with intimate settings and gradually moving to full-scale productions, including performances at La Scala.
Q: Who was Angelina Jolie’s mentor for the role?
A: Jolie’s mentor was Maria Callas herself, who taught classes at Juilliard, providing the actress with valuable guidance on how to sing.
Q: What was Angelina Jolie’s experience like playing Maria Callas?
A: Jolie described the experience as the hardest thing she’d ever done, saying she was terrified initially, but was able to master the art of singing with Callas’ guidance.
