Can Angelina Jolie become Maria Callas? Pablo Larrain thinks so | People

Angelina Jolie combines several films in which she stars with highly commercial ones, for example, Maleficent, Kung Fu Panda and Marvel Eternals – and I like it very personal Those who wish me dead And By sea, which she directed and starred in alongside her now ex-husband Brad Pitt. She also has her own fashion brand, advertising commitments, companies and humanitarian work.

But her next project represents a happy medium between these two extremes: Mary, a new film from Chilean director Pablo Larraín in which Jolie will play the greatest soprano of all time, Maria Callas. The only two images from Mary were made public on Monday. The film, which is already in production, will chronicle Maria Callas’s final days in Paris, where she died in September 1977.

Larren, 47, is known in Hollywood for his biopics. In 2016, he became famous thanks to Neruda, a film about the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, which became a triumph at film festivals. But it really happened Jackie, which explores Jacqueline Kennedy’s pain and trauma following the assassination of her husband John F. Kennedy, which truly catapulted him to fame. The iconic figure was played by Natalie Portman, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance (eventually won by Emma Stone for her Oscar). La La Land).

There were high hopes when SpencerA very personal portrait of Princess Diana and her decision to split from then-Prince Charles will be released in 2021. Lady Di was played by Kristen Stewart, who received her first Oscar nomination for this role, although the award went to Jessica Chastain for Tammy Faye’s eyes.

Larraín is now exploring another complex female character: the Greek diva Maria Callas. The singer will be played by Jolie, a role that could give the 48-year-old actress the critical acclaim she hasn’t received—and doesn’t appear to have sought—in years. The film could earn Jolie her third Oscar nomination and second Academy Award (she won for The girl who was interrupted in 2000 he was nominated for Changelings and took home the Gene Herschold Humanitarian Award in 2013).

The challenge at the moment is to achieve a physical resemblance, since Maria Callas is a famous public figure who has been played by many other actresses, such as Fanny Ardant in Franco Zeffirelli’s film. Callas forever

(2002); Vega’s pass Grace de Monaco (2014) and Jane Seymour in the TV movie Onassis: the richest man in the world (1988)

“I’m incredibly excited to start production Marywhich I hope will introduce audiences around the world to the remarkable life and work of Maria Callas thanks to Steven Knight’s superb script, the work of the entire cast and crew, and especially Angelina’s brilliant performance and extraordinary preparation,” said Larraín. in the previous statement.

Knight, who is also known for his work on Spencer, Peaky Blinders And Dirty pretty things — completed the script for Mary before the writers’ strike. In addition to Jolie, the cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee (The power of the dog, Elvis), Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino and Haluk Bilginer.

Little is known about production. Filming will last eight weeks and will take place in Paris, Milan, Budapest and Callas’ native Greece. Jolie’s wardrobe will be based on actual clothes worn by Callas, including vintage leather pieces from the collection of costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini. According to the production, the decision not to use or purchase new fur products was made after consultation with various animal welfare associations, including PETA.

While there is no planned or expected release date, there is already talk that the film could be a springboard for Jolie to shine during awards season.

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