The term “prima donna” is often used in a negative way, describing someone who is dramatic, hard to please, or over the top. But in the world of opera, it’s actually a huge compliment. A “prima donna” is the star of the show—the reason people come to watch and the one who makes the music so moving.
One of the most famous prima donnas was Maria Callas, a Greek-born soprano known for her passionate performances. From La Scala in Milan to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, her voice could make you cry. But her life wasn’t all glamorous. She went through a public affair with businessman Aristotle Onassis, struggled with a fading voice, faced rumors about her health, and even battled addiction before her untimely death.
The movie Maria, directed by Pablo Lorraín (who also made films about Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana), tells the story of Callas in her later years. The film is the third in a series about iconic women in the 20th century.
In Maria, Callas (played by Angelina Jolie) is living in seclusion in Paris, struggling with her health and memories of her past. She takes pills to cope with her anxiety and has a singing coach who’s trying to help her get her voice back. But Callas isn’t easy to work with—she often storms off in frustration. She even imagines a British documentarian making a film about her life, calling the character “Mandrax” after her favorite pill.
The movie shows flashes of Callas’s past, including her dramatic relationship with Onassis, who she says controlled her life and stopped her from having a family or continuing her singing career. We also see bits of her Greek origins and moments when she imagines meeting President John F. Kennedy.
The real star of the film is Angelina Jolie. Despite mostly doing animated films like Kung Fu Panda in recent years, she shows off her acting chops in Maria. Not only did she learn to sing opera for the role, but she also brings a sense of grace and depth to Callas’s complicated life. Her performance is the heart of the film.
The cinematography by Edward Lachman also stands out. The film is visually stunning, with golden colors in present-day scenes and black-and-white flashbacks that give it an artistic feel. But be warned: the pacing is slow, and some of the scenes feel more like a museum exhibit than a movie, which might make you want to take a nap.
Overall, Maria is a movie worth watching, mainly for Jolie’s outstanding performance. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re a fan of her acting or fascinated by the life of a legendary figure like Callas, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars