The psychological portrait of opera legend Maria Callas, led by Angelina Jolie, gains traction in major markets after its Venice Film Festival premiere

Pablo Larraín’s latest cinematic offering, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, has captivated international audiences and secured distribution in key territories following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which delves into the later years of Callas’s life, has been described as a “creative imagining” that offers a psychological exploration of the renowned diva as she grapples with the loss of her voice and struggles to reclaim her identity.

International buyers have shown significant interest in the film, with FilmNation Entertainment successfully closing deals across a broad spectrum of regions. Studiocanal has acquired rights for the U.K., Germany, and Poland, while ARP has secured distribution in France. Italy’s 01 Distribution, alongside Sun Distribution, which covers Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa, has also jumped on board. Other notable acquisitions include Pathe for Switzerland, The Searchers for Benelux, AQS for the Czech Republic, and Faliro House for Greece.

In addition, Israel’s Lev, Italia for the Middle East, MCF for Bulgaria and Ex-Yugoslavia, Green Light for Ukraine, Acme for the Baltics, and Bir for Turkey have all obtained rights to the film, ensuring that Maria will reach a diverse and global audience. In a significant move, Netflix has been confirmed as the film’s U.S. distributor, further amplifying its reach.

Maria represents the third installment in Larraín’s exploration of iconic female figures, following his critically acclaimed films Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). In this film, Larraín continues his collaboration with screenwriter Steven Knight, known for his work on Spencer and Peaky Blinders. The film’s ensemble cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino, who contribute to the film’s richly layered narrative.

Critics have already begun to praise Jolie’s portrayal of Callas. In a review by Variety, Jolie is lauded for her commanding presence, portraying Maria as a complex and multifaceted figure. The review highlights how Jolie fuses the imperious and enigmatic nature of a diva with the raw emotional depth of a femme fatale, bringing a powerful and nuanced performance to the screen.

The film, produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Jonas Dornbach, and Lorenzo Mieli, benefits from the creative partnership of several esteemed production companies, including The Apartment, Fabula, Komplizen, and Fremantle. Fremantle Group also provided financial backing for the film, ensuring that Larraín’s vision was brought to life with the highest production standards.

As Maria continues to gain momentum, its successful distribution across multiple territories underscores the global appeal of Larraín’s work and the enduring fascination with the life and legacy of Maria Callas.

Analysis:

Political Perspective: The international distribution of Maria highlights the increasingly global nature of the film industry, where politically diverse regions come together in their appreciation of shared cultural artifacts. The film’s wide distribution across various territories, including regions with complex political climates such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, speaks to the universal appeal of Maria Callas’s story and Angelina Jolie’s star power.

Furthermore, Maria’s success in securing international deals emphasizes the importance of cultural diplomacy. Films that portray iconic figures like Callas can serve as bridges between different cultures, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Larraín’s choice to focus on Callas’s struggle to regain her voice and identity might also resonate in countries currently experiencing social and political upheaval, where themes of resilience and self-determination are particularly poignant.

Social Perspective: Socially, Maria taps into universal themes of identity, loss, and the quest for self-fulfilment, making it relatable to a wide audience. The film’s portrayal of Callas as a woman who, despite her fame and success, faces profound personal challenges, speaks to the struggles many people experience in their own lives. This narrative could particularly resonate with audiences who have experienced the pressures of societal expectations and the loss of personal agency.

Angelina Jolie’s involvement in the film adds another layer of social significance. Jolie, known not only for her acting but also for her humanitarian work, brings a sense of gravitas and empathy to the role of Callas. Her portrayal is likely to resonate with those who view her as a role model, particularly women who have faced their own battles with self-identity and empowerment.

Racial Perspective: From a racial perspective, the casting of Jolie, a prominent white actress, as Maria Callas, who was of Greek descent, could spark conversations about representation in film. While Jolie’s portrayal has been praised, some may argue that the role could have been an opportunity to cast an actress of Greek or Mediterranean heritage, potentially bringing greater authenticity to the character.

This discussion fits into a broader dialogue about the importance of diversity and representation in Hollywood. The film industry is increasingly being called upon to cast actors who share the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the characters they portray. Maria could serve as a case study in these ongoing debates, particularly in terms of how cultural icons are represented on screen.

Gender Perspective: Maria’s exploration of the life of an iconic female figure contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender in cinema. The film delves into the challenges Callas faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, where her identity and worth were often tied to her voice and public image. By focusing on her personal struggles, the film sheds light on the broader issues of gender inequality and the pressures faced by women in the public eye.

Larraín’s decision to centre his narrative around Callas’s search for her own voice and identity aligns with contemporary feminist themes, where the reclamation of agency and self-expression are central concerns. The film’s portrayal of Callas as a multifaceted character—imperious yet vulnerable, powerful yet constrained by societal expectations—offers a nuanced look at the complexities of womanhood.

Economic Perspective: Economically, Maria’s successful sale to key international markets is a testament to the film’s commercial viability and the enduring appeal of biographical dramas. The film’s distribution across multiple regions, including Western Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, suggests a strong market demand for stories about iconic figures, particularly those portrayed by high-profile actors like Jolie.

The involvement of major production and distribution companies such as Netflix, Studiocanal, and Fremantle Group indicates a significant investment in the film’s success. This financial backing is likely to be recouped through widespread international distribution, digital streaming, and potentially awards season recognition, all of which contribute to the film’s profitability.

Moreover, Maria’s international appeal could boost tourism to locations associated with Maria Callas, particularly in Greece and Italy, where her legacy remains strong. Films that highlight the lives of cultural icons often lead to renewed interest in their histories, benefiting local economies through increased tourism and related activities.

In summary, Maria is not just a film about an opera legend; it is a cultural product that touches on important political, social, racial, gender, and economic issues. Its success in securing international distribution deals is a reflection of the film’s broad appeal and the global relevance of its themes.