Angelina Jolie is clearly hitting all the right notes with her latest role. The Oscar-winning actress has taken on the challenging part of opera legend Maria Callas in the biographical drama “Maria,” and her performance is generating some serious buzz.
At the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, Jolie, along with director Pablo Larraín and cinematographer Edward Lachman, received a rousing standing ovation from the audience. The reaction was so intense that Jolie was visibly moved, covering her mouth and placing a hand over her heart as she expressed her gratitude. The moment was captured in social media footage and shared widely, showcasing the warm reception she and her team received.
This enthusiastic response came just days after Jolie's appearance at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where “Maria” had its premiere. The film was met with widespread acclaim, and a video from Variety showed Jolie getting emotional during an eight-minute standing ovation. It’s clear that audiences are excited about her portrayal of Callas, which has been a highlight of the film’s reception.
However, Jolie's journey to this point has not been without its challenges. During a post-screening panel at Telluride, Jolie opened up about the anxiety she faced while preparing for the role. Despite undergoing seven months of opera and Italian classes and having a supportive team, Jolie admitted to feeling overwhelmed. She recalled being so nervous on her first day of singing on set that it felt almost paralyzing.
Adding to her stress, Jolie revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that a past relationship had left her doubting her singing abilities. The experience was deeply personal, as she described how someone in her life had been unsupportive of her musical aspirations. “It was an out-of-body experience because I don’t sing,” Jolie shared. “I had somebody in my life who was not kind to me about singing. It was a relationship I was in. And so I just assumed I couldn’t really sing.” Though she didn’t name the person, it’s clear that this past criticism had a significant impact on her confidence.
Jolie admitted that overcoming these doubts was a major hurdle. “I’d been to theater school, so it was weird that it even had an effect on me,” she said. “I just kind of adapted to this person’s opinion. So it took me getting past a lot of things to start singing.” It’s a powerful reminder of how past experiences can shape our self-belief and how overcoming them can lead to remarkable achievements.
At the Venice Film Festival press conference, Jolie expressed her concern about living up to the expectations of Callas’s fans and opera enthusiasts. “My fear would be to disappoint them,” she said. “I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman.” This commitment to honoring Callas’s legacy underscores Jolie’s dedication to her craft and her respect for the iconic opera singer.
The excitement around “Maria” is building, with a wider release on Netflix expected, though an official date has yet to be announced. For now, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, solidifying her place as a talented and versatile actress.
In summary, Angelina Jolie's performance in "Maria" is garnering widespread acclaim, and her journey to this point has been filled with personal challenges and triumphs. From the enthusiastic responses at film festivals to her candid reflections on overcoming self-doubt, Jolie's dedication to her role is evident. As the film prepares for its broader release, it’s clear that Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is a standout achievement in her career.
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