Maria Callas was born on december 2, 1923. A century, one year and three days later, the Greek public will flock to the cinemas to see one of the most anticipated films of the year ending. It is of course the film “Maria”, in which Angelina Jolie plays the great diva, under the direction of Pablo Laraine, who thus completes a trilogy dedicated to great women. After “Jackie” with Natalie portman and “Spencer” with Christine Stewart playing Lady Diana, the director highlights the tormented figure of the Greek high-pitched woman against the background of her short life in the City of Light, where she died.
On the evening of Monday, November 25, the Athenian premiere took place with splendor at the Athens Concert Hall in the packed “Alexandra Trianti” hall, in the presence of the Greek actors of the film. More than 800 people attended, including artists, actors, directors, media representatives and many more cinephiles. The spotlight, as well as the applause, were of course stolen by the actresses lydia Koniordou, Angelina Papadopoulou and Erofili Panagiotarea, who captivated with their performances in the film and were enthusiastically received. At the end of October, the film was shown at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival.
The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where Jolie received a 10-minute standing ovation for her transformation into one of the most challenging roles of her career. The multi-month filming took place in Paris,where Maria Callas spent the last years of her life,while a large part of it was filmed in Greece. Cinobo and Faliro House welcomed cinema and maria Callas lovers on the red carpet, inaugurating their collaboration with this special event. Shortly before the screening of the film, Dafni Behtsis, Founder and CEO of Cinobo, and Andreas Zoupanos Kritikos, producer of Faliro House, spoke warmly both about the film “Maria” and about their professional coexistence. Taking over from Tassos bibisidis who presented the evening, the two hosts gave credit to the representatives of Heretic involved in the production. After the screening, a party followed in the foyer of the venue under the musical selections of the well-known DJ of “En Lefko 87.7” spyros Pagiatakis, where the guests had the prospect to exchange opinions. Cinobo is the Greek streaming platform and distribution company specializing in autonomous cinema. Founded in 2020, it has a presence in Greece and Cyprus, and its vision is to bring “great cinema to all screens”, bringing together carefully selected cinematic content from around the world and greece, which is often scattered or even hard to find.
The film about the soprano attempts a new look by highlighting aspects that were perhaps less known or illuminated, such as the relations with her mother.The script, which had to condense her entire life, is written by Stephen Knight.
What themes can viewers expect to explore in the film “Maria”?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and film Expert Dr. elena Theodorou
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Theodorou! It’s a pleasure to have you here today, especially with the buzz surrounding the new film “Maria,” which showcases the life of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas.How has the anticipation for this film unfolded since its announcement?
Dr. Elena Theodorou (ET): Thank you for having me! The anticipation for ”Maria” has been quite palpable. Given Maria Callas’s profound impact on the world of classical music and her dramatic life story, it’s no surprise that this film has captured the attention of so many. Directed by Pablo Larraín, known for his compelling portrayals of iconic women, this film promises to strike a powerful emotional chord with audiences.
TNE: Absolutely! I understand that the Athenian premiere at the Athens Concert Hall saw an overwhelming turnout. What does this suggest about Callas’s legacy in Greece and the connection of the public to her story today?
ET: The packed house of over 800 attendees speaks volumes. Callas is not just a cultural icon; she is a symbol of Greek pride. Her life, marked by both unbelievable triumph and personal tragedy, resonates deeply with the Greek public. The excitement surrounding the premiere further illustrates how her legacy continues to influence and inspire, reminding us of the richness of our artistic heritage.
TNE: There’s a lot of buzz about Angelina Jolie portraying Callas. What are your insights into her ability to embody such a complex character?
ET: Angelina Jolie is renowned for her transformative performances, and her portrayal of Callas will undoubtedly be compelling. The film aims to capture Callas’s intense emotions and her struggles, both personally and professionally. Given Jolie’s depth as an actress and her ability to convey vulnerability and strength together, I believe she will bring a unique perspective to Callas’s character.
TNE: You mentioned Pablo Larraín’s previous films, “Jackie” and “Spencer.” How does his directorial approach influence the narrative style of “Maria”?
ET: Larraín has a distinct style of blending reality with artistic interpretation. In “Jackie,” he focused on the emotional aftermath of a notable moment in history, while in “Spencer,” he explored the internal conflicts of Princess Diana. With “Maria,” I anticipate a similar exploration of Callas’s internal struggles set against the backdrop of her monumental career. The focus will likely be on her emotional vulnerabilities rather than just her public persona.
TNE: Sounds fascinating! As we approach the film’s release, how do you foresee its impact on the future of biographical films, notably those centered around women?
ET: I think “Maria” could set a new precedent for biographical films focused on women. It symbolizes a trend towards highlighting not only their accomplishments but also their personal hardships, aiming to present a more holistic view. As audiences increasingly crave authentic narratives, this film could inspire more filmmakers to delve into the complexities of historical female figures, showcasing their multifaceted lives.
TNE: That’s an critically important perspective. Lastly, as a lover of cinema and history, what do you hope audiences take away from “Maria”?
ET: I hope that audiences walk away with a deeper appreciation for Maria Callas—not just as an opera singer but as a passionate, flawed, and incredibly human figure.her story speaks to the immense pressures of fame and the sacrifices made for art. Understanding her journey can definitely help us reflect on our own lives and the quest for identity and acceptance in the face of societal expectations.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Theodorou, for your insights! It’s clear that “Maria” is not just a movie but an exploration of a remarkable life, and I can’t wait to see how it resonates with audiences worldwide.
ET: Thank you for having me! I, too, look forward to the film’s release and the conversations it will spark.