Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’ is simply triumphant and is a captivating exploration of Maria Callas.
Director Pablo Larraín’s direction in ‘Maria’ truly stands out, reflecting his signature style of creating deeply emotional and intimate portrayals of iconic figures like in ‘Spencer’ and ‘Jackie’. In ‘Spencer’, Diana’s delusions are a symbolic representation of her fractured reality, a coping mechanism against the suffocating demands placed upon her. In ‘Maria’, these visions are similarly used, but with a different emotional weight: they aren’t merely delusions but characters from Callas’ past, memories manifesting as living, breathing beings. These hallucinatory encounters bring her past to life, blurring the lines between dream and reality.
The film’s exploration of Callas’ life is multifaceted and it was brought to life with depth, dimension and nuance by Angelina Jolie in one of her most compelling performances. Jolie channels the famed opera singer’s vulnerability, intensity and strength and she masterfully embodies Callas. Her expressive eyes and facial expressions carry the film, offering an intimate window into Callas’ dynamic world. Each slight shift in her expression offers a glimpse into the complexity of Callas’ psyche, capturing both her public persona as a revered opera singer and her private moments of vulnerability.
The cinematography was done with a painterly quality, crafting scenes that are lush and evocative scenes and visual poetry that mirrors the complexity of the character. The movie uses an “observer” technique to heighten the emotional intensity and realism of capturing the grandeur and melancholy of Callas’ world. The rich textures of her surroundings almost become characters in the story themselves. Moreover, the interplay of light and shadow enhances the dramatic tension and emotional depth, often reflecting the duality of Callas’ public and private worlds. Thus, the visual language is timeless and deeply personal.
The music was absolutely stunning. The scores complements the visual storytelling perfectly, weaving music and narrative together in a seamless way.
Overall, the emotional depth, visual splendor, and Jolie’s transformative performance make ‘Maria’ a cinematic experience worthwhile.