36/20
Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, spends the last days of her life in 1970s Paris as she comes to terms with her identity and life. Angelina Jolie and director Pablo Larraín discuss how they connected to the heartbreaking true story of world-famous opera singer Maria Callas. The third and final film in Pablo Larraín’s so-called “Lady with Heels” trilogy of biographies starring female leads, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). Maria Callas: Reserve me a table at a cafe where the waiters know who I am. I feel like admiring. Quoted in close-up: Why do we need the Venice Film Festival? (2024). Otello, Act 4: “Ave Maria” (Desdemona). Performed by Maria Callas, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire. Conductor: Nicola Rescigno. Written by Giuseppe Verdi, Arrigo Boito. A Warner Classics release, (p) 1964 Parlophone Records Limited. Remastered 2014 Parlophone Records Limited. Courtesy of Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, a Warner Music Group company. I’m sure this film was made with great care and love, BUT what it lacked most in my opinion was BREATH. Opera singers learn to control their breath in order to captivate us. And I agree with the other less positive reviews that the opening scene was really a poor example of playback, especially because I couldn’t see Ms. Jolie breathe! Of course, Callas led a glamorous life, but to me the focus in this film seemed more on the visual. This is one film that made me not want to watch it to the end, and I’m sorry for that. I too had great expectations for these two iconic ladies. One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month. Check out our December calendar for more information!