Angelina Jolie Embodies La Divina in “Maria” Biopic
The highly anticipated biographical drama “Maria,” starring the iconic Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, has unveiled its official poster, offering the world an electrifying first look at Jolie’s remarkable transformation. Draped in an elegant black and white gown, accentuated by a sophisticated updo and classic makeup, Jolie effortlessly captures the powerful and enigmatic presence that defined Callas. This initial glimpse alone promises a performance of profound depth, hinting at the dedication Jolie has poured into portraying one of the 20th century’s most celebrated and complex vocal artists.
A Director’s Vision: Concluding a Storied Trilogy
“Maria” is helmed by the critically acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, known for his unique approach to historical biopics. This film serves as the powerful conclusion to his biographical trilogy centered around iconic historical women, following his masterful depictions of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in “Jackie” (starring Natalie Portman) and Princess Diana in “Spencer” (with Kristen Stewart). Larraín’s distinctive narrative style, which often delves into the psychological landscapes of his subjects during pivotal moments, is expected to bring unprecedented intimacy to Callas’s story.
The film meticulously chronicles the turbulent final years of the Greek-American soprano’s life in 1970s Paris. It promises an unflinching exploration of her attempts at a career resurgence, the profound grief experienced from the loss of loved ones, and her poignant, eventual decline. Audiences can anticipate a raw and emotional portrayal of a woman grappling with fame, loss, and the relentless demands of her extraordinary art.
Critical Acclaim and Mounting Oscar Buzz for Jolie
“Maria” made its world premiere at the prestigious 81st Venice International Film Festival, where preliminary word from critics has been nothing short of rapturous. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas has particularly garnered universal praise, with many industry observers and film journalists hailing it as potentially the strongest performance of her illustrious career. Reviewers are marveling at her ability to channel Callas’s intensity, vulnerability, and operatic grace, translating it into a deeply felt cinematic experience. This wave of critical adoration has firmly positioned Jolie as a formidable contender in the upcoming awards season, igniting significant Oscar buzz for her compelling work.
Beyond the cinematic brilliance, the film’s release has inadvertently amplified discussions surrounding Angelina Jolie’s personal life, a common occurrence for an actress of her magnitude. Reports, particularly from The Sun, began circulating allegations of a new romantic entanglement for Jolie. According to these unconfirmed reports, the actress is said to be dating Akala, the 40-year-old British rapper and author.
The rumors gained traction after The Sun alleged the two were spotted sharing three days and two nights at a London hotel while Jolie was in the city promoting “Maria.” Further claims suggested Akala was discreetly chauffeured away prior to the film’s premiere, later making a solo appearance at the London screening. Multiple reported sightings of the pair on dates across London fueled the speculation, with one report even mentioning Akala’s alleged presence at the Venice Film Festival the previous month, where “Maria” debuted.
However, these claims were swiftly countered by TMZ, a prominent entertainment news outlet, which published a report refuting the alleged romance. TMZ asserted that Jolie and Akala are merely friends, stating that Akala is in fact currently in another relationship. As of now, neither Angelina Jolie nor Akala has issued any official statement addressing or clarifying these persistent media reports, leaving the true nature of their relationship speculative amidst the film’s burgeoning publicity.
Anticipated Release Dates
Fans eagerly awaiting to immerse themselves in Maria Callas’s story and witness Angelina Jolie’s transformative performance will soon have their chance. “Maria” is scheduled for a theatrical release in North America on November 27th, allowing audiences to experience the film on the big screen. Following its initial cinematic run, the biopic will then become exclusively available for streaming on Netflix globally starting December 11th, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers worldwide.
