At the Venice Film Festival, Angelina Jolie discusses the scrutiny faced by opera singer Maria Callas and how it mirrors societal judgments on women today.

Angelina Jolie has shed light on the intense scrutiny faced by opera singer Maria Callas in her latest role, portraying the legendary soprano in the biopic Maria. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film has already sparked Oscar buzz for Jolie’s portrayal of Callas, a figure historically judged harshly for her “diva” persona.

In a press conference, Jolie addressed the negative connotations often associated with the term “diva.” She reflected on how societal perceptions frequently shape and define women more than their actual selves. “I think the term diva has often come with a lot of negative connotations,” Jolie said. “I’ve relearned that word from Maria. It’s often other people’s perception of a woman that defines too much who she is and who she was.”

Maria, directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, focuses on the last week of Callas’s life in 1977 Paris. The film depicts the renowned singer’s isolation, supported only by her butler (played by Pierfrancesco Favino) and housemaid (Alba Rohrwacher). Callas, battling with health issues and a diminished voice, is shown in a vulnerable state as she contends with the repercussions of her fame and personal struggles.

Jolie’s commitment to the role was profound, involving nearly seven months of intensive training to perform opera. The actress admitted to being “terribly nervous” about her singing scenes, especially in packed theatres like Paris’s La Scala. “My first time singing, I remember being so nervous. My sons were there and they helped lock the door so that nobody else was coming in, and I was shaky,” she shared.

Born Maria Kalogeropoulos in New York to Greek parents, Callas achieved international acclaim with her exceptional voice and commanding stage presence. Despite her success, Callas faced relentless public criticism regarding her demanding behaviour, weight, and romantic entanglements, including her high-profile relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who later left her for Jackie Kennedy. Callas’s life ended in Paris at 53 due to a heart attack.

Jolie, who has recently been in the public eye due to her ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt, found personal resonance with Callas’s story. She noted, “There’s a lot I won’t say in this room that you probably know and assume. I related to the part of her that is extremely soft and didn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was and as emotionally open as she truly was. I think I share her vulnerability more than anything.”

As the festival director, Alberto Barbera, noted, Jolie and Pitt have been carefully scheduled to avoid crossing paths at the event. Jolie will depart Venice before Pitt arrives for the premiere of his film Wolfs on Sunday.

Larraín’s film is part of a trilogy exploring women with tragic narratives, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021), both of which earned their lead Academy Award nominations. Jolie expressed that while she is grateful for any accolades, her primary concern was honouring Callas’s legacy and respecting her fans. “My fear would be to disappoint them,” Jolie said. “If there’s a response to the work, I’m very grateful. But I really came to care for her, so I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman.”

Analysis:

Political: Angelina Jolie’s comments on the scrutiny faced by Maria Callas highlight broader political implications regarding the societal expectations placed on women. The way public figures, especially women, are scrutinized and defined by others’ perceptions reflects ongoing issues of gender politics and the pressures of conforming to societal norms. This scrutiny impacts not only individual reputations but also shapes discussions about gender equality and representation in the media and public life.

Social: Jolie’s reflections underscore the social challenges women face, particularly those in the spotlight. The public’s tendency to judge women based on perceptions rather than their true selves reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates biases. Callas’s portrayal as a “diva” with negative connotations mirrors societal attitudes towards women who defy conventional expectations or exhibit strong personalities. Jolie’s insights emphasize the need to reevaluate how women are perceived and valued, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of their experiences and contributions.

Racial: While Jolie’s comments do not directly address racial issues, the discussion about societal perceptions of women intersects with broader conversations about race and representation. Women of color, like Callas and Jolie, often face compounded scrutiny based on both race and gender. Understanding how racial and gender biases interact can provide a more comprehensive view of the challenges faced by public figures and highlight the need for more inclusive and equitable portrayals in media and public discourse.

Gender: The exploration of the term “diva” and its negative connotations reveals gendered expectations and judgments. Women who assert themselves or display confidence are often labelled with pejorative terms, reflecting a broader issue of how society imposes limitations on female behaviour and expression. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas and her personal reflections challenge these gender norms, advocating for a more empathetic and accurate understanding of women’s roles and experiences.

Economic: From an economic perspective, the film Maria and Jolie’s performance contributes to the broader entertainment industry’s landscape, influencing how biographical films about complex female figures are received and valued. The commercial success of such films can impact the funding and production of future projects that explore similar themes. Additionally, the attention garnered by Jolie’s role and the film’s Oscar buzz can influence box office performance and streaming distribution, reflecting the economic interplay between critical acclaim and market success.