Maria movie review: Angelina Jolie strikes the right note, but the biographical drama lacks depth
Maria movie review: 'There is no life away from the stage. Stage is in my mind,' says Maria Callas, the protagonist of Pablo Larraín-directed Maria, when asked about staying away from the stage for some years. Angelina Jolie's riveting performance as Maria Callas, considered to be one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, powers her story of achieving immense fame as an artiste, her life away from the stage and her struggle to make a comeback.
Set in the late 70s, Maria's narrative unfolds more like a psychological drama — exploring the effects of childhood trauma, fame and the pressure of sustaining artistic legacy — than a typical biopic. The film that opens with the death of Callas, within minutes rewinds to what transpired a week earlier. Living in a beautiful Parisian apartment, with big windows and chandeliers, the soprano is drifting through life under the influence of Mandrax — she takes the pills more often than what's prescribed for her — that triggers hallucinations.
She might be losing the grip over what's real, but the memories of past events in her life became clearer. She recounts them during a lengthy television interview with a young interviewer (Kodi Smit-McPhee) whom she refers to as 'Mandrax'. Though it is evident to the viewers that these conversations are imagined by her, they become an effective tool for writer Steven Knight and Larraín to delve into her mind, memories, trauma and regrets. She also reveals her idea of art and the pressure that great artistes have to deal with during these exchanges.
The movie also focuses on her love affair with Greek business magnate Aristotle Onassis. Ironically, even though she left her husband Giovanni Battista Meneghini to be with Onassis, he didn't appreciate her art. While she was forced to be a singer by her mother, Onassis forbade her from performing. Later on, Onassis married Jackie Kennedy, the former first lady of America. 'He wanted someone who he could control,' was Callas's response to that.
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Even though Jolie earned a Golden Globe nomination for this performance, she missed out on being nominated for the Oscar. Notwithstanding that, this should be counted as one of Jolie's most captivating performances. She embodies Maria Callas as well as depicts her vulnerabilities convincingly. She struggles to stage a comeback even as she battles mental health issues. The narrative, however, could have added more depth to her inner turmoil and chequered career. The writer instead gives the protagonist witty lines that underline her intelligence and wry sense of humour.
The film Maria beautifully recreates the beauty of Seventies' Paris, which is deftly captured by cinematographer Edward Lachman. The film's end credit roll packs a surprise — a montage of footage of real-life Maria Callas, who seems to be full of life. That's something the cinematic depiction of her life does not show.
Maria is streaming on Lionsgate Play.
Maria movie director: Pablo Larraín
Maria movie cast: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Maria movie rating: Three stars
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