Angelina Jolie is known for her reclusive nature.
In a recent interview with BBC News, the Hollywood star opened up about her experience working alongside her eldest sons, revealing they witnessed “the pain” she typically conceals from them.
A new biopic, Maria, is set to feature the actress as the renowned opera singer Maria Callas.
In a notable development, two of Angelina Jolie’s six children, Maddox and Pax, with former spouses Brad Pitt, have stepped into the film industry as production assistants.
“The character [Callas] embodies significant pain, and while they have witnessed my struggles, they have not seen me openly express the depth of pain that a parent often conceals from their child,” she stated.
“They were present to observe some of those moments, and in between, we would share hugs or they would offer me cups of tea.”
Jolie expressed that it represented “a new way” of being honest with her children regarding her emotions “in an even greater way”.
The film, crafted by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, delves into Callas’s later years in the 1970s, a period marked by her residence in Paris.
Jolie’s recent film marks a significant return to the screen, as she has taken on acting roles less frequently in recent years. This project revives her presence in the industry and positions her as a potential contender for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Maria Callas, a soprano born in the United States to Greek parents, is one of the most renowned figures in the world of opera.
In the film Maria, the singing scenes use a combination of Jolie’s voice and original recordings by Callas.
The actress undertook opera training for her role, which she characterises as “very physically demanding.”
According to her, the training period lasted approximately seven months.
“Initially, we engaged in standard singing classes, which presented various challenges. However, the transition to opera classes introduced distinct demands, particularly regarding breath control, bodily engagement, and the sheer intensity required to push oneself. This shift represents a markedly different physical experience.”
Jolie, known for her roles in films such as Changeling, Maleficent, Salt, and Mr & Mrs Smith, revealed that she has never sung publicly and admitted to feeling “actually quite shy about singing.”
“She expressed that it was likely one of the areas in her life where she felt hesitant.”
However, she suggested that it was also an experience she found pleasurable.
“Being an actor often comes with the unique opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated crew, allowing for exploration and experimentation in both exciting and challenging ways,” she stated.
Jolie’s sons, Maddox, aged 23, and Pax, aged 21, have collaborated with her on several productions in the past, including her film Without Blood.
At Maria’s New York City premiere in September, they joined her and their younger sister Zahara.
In September 2016, Jolie initiated divorce proceedings against Pitt. The couple became embroiled in a custody dispute, which culminated in Pitt receiving joint custody in 2021.
Among their children, the Hollywood couple has daughters Shiloh and Vivienne and a son named Knox.
Director Pablo Larraín reported that Maddox and Pax were “very busy” on the film set. “They demonstrated a high level of professionalism,” he remarked.
Jolie recounted that while filming, Pax captured numerous moments of her singing practice, remarking, “So he was with me in my early horrible days,” she chuckled.
“Observing their mother struggle, express frustration, and persevere can benefit children,” she remarked.
“This represents a significant and aesthetically pleasing aspect.”
Maria is the third installment in a trilogy of films by Larraín that explores the lives of high-profile, complex women. It succeeds his portrayals of Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana.
Critics have offered a range of opinions on the film, with many highlighting the strength of its central performance as a notable positive aspect.
Sophia Ciminello of AwardsWatch remarked, “Jolie is spellbinding as Maria Callas, imbuing her with grace and resolve.” “She does not merely inhabit the role; she elevates it.”
Stephanie Zacharek of Time expressed a more critical view of Jolie’s performance. She portrays her character with a blend of “haughtily cool” and “deeply insecure” traits yet fails to convey any of the character’s commanding charisma.
Known as La Divina, “The Divine One,” Maria Callas embarked on her singing career at 14.1964, she delivered one of her most renowned performances as Tosca at Covent Garden.
The premature end of her career can be attributed to vocal decline, which may have been triggered by significant weight loss.
In her final years, she lived predominantly in seclusion, passing away from a heart attack at the age of 53.
Larraín expressed his aspiration that his film would pay tribute to Callas’s ambition to make the art form more accessible to the public.
“He stated that if this movie elevates the opera profile from one to a million, it will be deemed a success.”
Jolie expressed uncertainty about whether any art form rivals the strength of opera.
“Its connection to both the soul and the body suggests that it is indeed accessible to all.”
The film Maria is set to hit UK cinemas on January 10.
