Angelina Jolie is carving out a new chapter in her career, and it's one that's packed with emotion and a touch of vulnerability. The actress, known for her role as Maleficent, has taken on a bold new project: portraying the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in the highly anticipated biopic "Maria." The film made its debut at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, and Jolie opened up about her journey in a revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
At 49, Jolie is no stranger to high-profile roles, but this one comes with its own set of challenges. The actress admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about the role, particularly because it required her to step into the world of singing—an area she hadn’t ventured into before. Reflecting on her experience, Jolie shared that her nerves stemmed from past insecurities. "It was an out-of-body experience because I don't sing," she confessed. She revealed that an earlier relationship had made her doubt her musical talents. "I had somebody in my life who was not kind to me about singing," she said. "It was a relationship I was in. And so I just assumed I couldn't really sing."
Interestingly, Jolie's background in theater should have equipped her with the confidence needed for this role. Yet, she found herself affected by the negative opinions of her former partner. "I'd been to theater school, so it was weird that it even had an effect on me," Jolie said. It was only after overcoming these personal hurdles that she found the courage to embrace singing.
The film "Maria" is directed by Pablo Larraín, a filmmaker renowned for his previous work with Natalie Portman in "Jackie" and Kristen Stewart in "Spencer," both of whom earned Oscar nominations for their performances. Larraín's directorial expertise has set high expectations for Jolie's portrayal of Callas. Speaking at a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Jolie admitted to being "terribly nervous" about her singing scenes. To prepare, she dedicated almost seven months to vocal training.
Jolie's first experience singing in front of others was particularly daunting. She remembered, "My first time singing, I remember being so nervous. My sons were there, and they helped to block the door (so) that nobody else was coming in. I was shaky. ... I was frightened to live up to her, and I had not sung in public." Despite her nerves, Jolie's dedication has already started to pay off. The buzz around "Maria" has been significant, with the actress receiving early Oscar buzz for her performance.
A standout moment for Jolie was during the Venice Film Festival, where a video shared by Variety captured her emotional response to a standing ovation that lasted a staggering eight minutes. This kind of reception at such a prestigious event is a testament to the impact of her performance.
During the Venice press conference, Jolie was asked about the growing Oscar speculation. Her response was telling of her priorities. "My fear would be to disappoint them," she said, referring to Callas' fans and the opera community. "I didn't want to do a disservice to this woman." This sentiment underscores Jolie's respect for the legacy of Callas and her commitment to honoring the opera legend's memory.
In addition to discussing her role in "Maria," Jolie also touched on her plans for the future. She hinted that she might leave Los Angeles once her children are older. "I am here because I have to be here from a divorce," she explained. "But as soon as they're 18, I'll be able to leave. When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety." Jolie, who has previously won an Academy Award for her role in "Girl, Interrupted," expressed a desire to find a more serene environment for her family. She reflected on her experience living in Los Angeles, noting, "Sometimes this place can be … that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here."
In summary, Angelina Jolie's latest role in "Maria" marks a significant and personal milestone in her career. With the backing of an acclaimed director and early Oscar buzz, her portrayal of Maria Callas is generating considerable excitement. Jolie's journey, from overcoming personal insecurities to receiving a rapturous reception at the Venice Film Festival, showcases her dedication and resilience. As she navigates this new chapter, both her fans and critics will be watching closely to see how this bold venture shapes her career and personal life.
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