Jolie explores the emotional complexities of portraying a troubled opera singer while incorporating her children into the production process.
Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Parenting and Performance in New Biopic 'Maria'
Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Parenting and Performance in New Biopic 'Maria'
In a revealing BBC interview, the actress discusses her struggles and experiences while filming alongside her sons.
In a recent interview with BBC News, Angelina Jolie shared poignant insights into her experience working on the set of her new biopic, 'Maria,' where she portrays iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Known for her private nature, Jolie candidly acknowledged that her eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, not only worked as production assistants on the film, but also witnessed her emotional struggles during the filming process.
"The character has a lot of pain and they've of course seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn't experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child," she mentioned. Drawing from her personal experiences, Jolie embraced the opportunity to be honest with her children about her feelings.
'Maria,' written by Steven Knight, explores Callas's tumultuous final years in the 1970s. Jolie’s powerful performance has sparked discussions of potential Oscar nominations, particularly as she skillfully incorporates her and Callas's voices during the film’s musical sequences.
Jolie underwent seven months of rigorous training to learn opera. "It was very physically demanding," she confessed, admitting that she had never sung in public before and had felt shy about it. She revealed, "One of the greatest privileges of being an actor is you often are supported by a crew to try something and explore something you've never done."
Her sons have been involved in earlier projects as well, including Jolie's film 'Without Blood.' Director Pablo Larraín recognized their professionalism during the shoot, highlighting their significant contribution. "It’s always good for your children to watch your mum not do something easily, but swear and fight and fail and have to try again," Jolie added with humor, alluding to their joint experiences on set.
While the film depicts the life of Maria Callas—remembered for her incredible voice and tumultuous personal life—the initial reviews have been mixed. Critics praised Jolie's captivating performance, with some even stating, "She transcends" into the character, while others felt there was a missing depth in emotional portrayal.
As the film anticipates its UK release on January 10, Jolie emphasizes the importance of opera connecting with audiences on a profound level. "If this movie brings attention to opera from one to a million, it will be a success," Larraín expressed, and Jolie echoed that sentiment, commenting on the art form's unique ability to resonate with the soul.
"The character has a lot of pain and they've of course seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn't experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child," she mentioned. Drawing from her personal experiences, Jolie embraced the opportunity to be honest with her children about her feelings.
'Maria,' written by Steven Knight, explores Callas's tumultuous final years in the 1970s. Jolie’s powerful performance has sparked discussions of potential Oscar nominations, particularly as she skillfully incorporates her and Callas's voices during the film’s musical sequences.
Jolie underwent seven months of rigorous training to learn opera. "It was very physically demanding," she confessed, admitting that she had never sung in public before and had felt shy about it. She revealed, "One of the greatest privileges of being an actor is you often are supported by a crew to try something and explore something you've never done."
Her sons have been involved in earlier projects as well, including Jolie's film 'Without Blood.' Director Pablo Larraín recognized their professionalism during the shoot, highlighting their significant contribution. "It’s always good for your children to watch your mum not do something easily, but swear and fight and fail and have to try again," Jolie added with humor, alluding to their joint experiences on set.
While the film depicts the life of Maria Callas—remembered for her incredible voice and tumultuous personal life—the initial reviews have been mixed. Critics praised Jolie's captivating performance, with some even stating, "She transcends" into the character, while others felt there was a missing depth in emotional portrayal.
As the film anticipates its UK release on January 10, Jolie emphasizes the importance of opera connecting with audiences on a profound level. "If this movie brings attention to opera from one to a million, it will be a success," Larraín expressed, and Jolie echoed that sentiment, commenting on the art form's unique ability to resonate with the soul.
