The Guardian: “Angelina Jolie continues to challenge herself, both as an actress and a filmmaker, pushing boundaries in Hollywood.”
Variety: “Jolie’s humanitarian work and her advocacy for refugees have set her apart as not just a movie star, but a global ambassador for peace and human rights.”
Angelina Jolie is generating buzz for a potential second Academy Award following the premiere of her new biopic, Maria, at the Venice Film Festival. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film, which sees Jolie portraying the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, received an eight-minute standing ovation, drawing comparisons to Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-winning performance in The Whale.
Angelina Jolie Soars into the Oscar Race with Venice Film ‘Maria’https://t.co/gdxO2lImLH
— ravi singh (@ravisinghma77) August 30, 2024
In the film, Jolie embodies the tragic final days of Callas’s life, capturing both her decline in health and her haunting memories of lost love. Her portrayal of the opera legend has sparked early predictions of an Oscar race, with fans on social media already declaring that Jolie’s campaign for Best Actress at the 2025 Oscars has begun. This anticipation builds on her previous win 25 years ago for Girl, Interrupted.
Jolie’s commitment to the role was evident in her performance, which included her singing—a skill she trained for over seven months to perfect. Producers even blended Jolie’s voice with that of Callas to authentically capture the singer’s final performances as she struggled with her voice near the end of her life. Critics have praised Jolie’s dedication, noting her believable portrayal and emotional depth, despite some reservations about the film itself.
The biopic, Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, is the final installment in his trilogy of films about women of wealth and renown facing personal turmoil. The movie focuses on Callas’s last days in Paris in 1977, revealing her struggles with ill health and the emotional pain following her split from Aristotle Onassis, who left her for Jackie Kennedy.
Reactions to the film have varied. While some critics have lauded Jolie’s performance, calling it one of her career bests, others found the film itself lacking in emotional impact, describing it as “flat” and overly reverent to its subject. Despite this, Jolie’s portrayal has been widely recognized for its authenticity and emotional intensity, qualities that could very well place her in strong contention for the Best Actress category at the Oscars.
Pablo Larraín, known for his biopics Jackie and Spencer, expressed his passion for combining cinema and opera in this film, calling the collaboration with Jolie “a fascinating opportunity.” He aimed to celebrate Callas’s life and artistry, capturing the essence of a woman whose voice and personal story captivated the world.
‘Maria’: Angelina Jolie Will Get Another Oscar Nod for Her Performance https://t.co/fhyjqxqfd2
— chris sittard (@ChrisSitta35969) August 30, 2024
Key Points:
i. Angelina Jolie’s performance in Maria received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, sparking Oscar buzz despite mixed reviews.
ii. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, depicts the final days of opera singer Maria Callas, focusing on her declining health and emotional struggles.
iii. Jolie trained for seven months to sing for the role, showcasing her dedication to authentically portraying Callas.
iv. Critics have praised Jolie’s emotional depth and believability in the role, though opinions on the film itself are divided.
v. Fans and critics alike are anticipating Jolie’s potential Oscar campaign for Best Actress, 25 years after her first win.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
