How Angelina Jolie Overcame Her Deepest Fears in ‘Maria’—And What It Cost Her

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the 2024 biographical drama Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín and streaming on Netflix, presented a unique and multifaceted set of challenges. From the technical demands of opera singing to the physical and emotional weight of portraying one of the most complex figures in musical history, Jolie’s performance has been lauded for its depth and authenticity. In various interviews, Jolie has opened up about the intense process that shaped her transformative role.

The Role and Context of ‘Maria’

Maria focuses on the final years of Callas’ life, set in 1970s Paris, where the opera icon grapples with her identity and career. As a seasoned actress, Jolie had no previous experience with opera singing, a fact that posed a significant challenge for her in taking on the role. Despite her acting success, the prospect of performing in front of an audience, while embodying such an emotionally charged character, required Jolie to push beyond her comfort zone.

The film, which premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in August 2024 before streaming on Netflix, garnered attention for its intimate portrayal of Callas’ personal and professional struggles. Jolie’s performance has been widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, with many noting her remarkable dedication to the role.

Overcoming Singing Challenges

Perhaps the most significant challenge for Jolie was her lack of formal singing experience. In interviews, she admitted that she initially struggled with what she described as “tone deafness.” However, she was determined to embody the vocal prowess of Maria Callas, which led her to undertake nearly seven months of intensive vocal training with renowned coach Eric Vetro. Jolie focused on mastering Italian and French operatic pieces, honing techniques related to breathing, posture, and pitch. The training was “very challenging,” according to director Larraín, as opera singing requires not only vocal skill but also immense physical control and stamina.

Jolie shared that her first days of singing were marked by intense nervousness. She recalled being “a little nervous and shy,” with the process even moving her to tears on the first day. Describing the emotional release as “the best therapy,” Jolie acknowledged that the experience was deeply personal, as it opened up vulnerabilities she hadn’t anticipated. Her sons, Maddox and Pax, helped her by giving her privacy, blocking the door during her first lessons.

In the film, Jolie’s singing was mixed with Callas’ original recordings, with Jolie’s contribution varying from 1% to 70%, depending on the scene. One key moment involved recording the aria “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi by Puccini, which required precise synchronization with the original voice, making it one of the more technically complex sequences. For scenes like the one at La Scala, where she performs Anna Bolena, Jolie’s voice was used predominantly, with her singing live in front of hundreds of extras. Describing this experience as “terrifying,” she emphasized the pressure of performing in such an exposed setting, without the usual comfort of a piano accompaniment or direct communication with the conductor.

Physical and Mental Demands of the Role

The physicality of opera singing also added to the intensity of the role. Jolie found herself grappling with the unique physical demands of maintaining vocal control and posture, which she described as “very physically demanding.” Opera singing requires sustained stamina, and Jolie had to learn how to push her body to its limits while maintaining the elegance and precision required for a role like Callas.

Performing live on set without the accompaniment of a piano or orchestra, Jolie was often the sole focus of the sound. This isolation made the physical and mental load even heavier, with no room for error. Yet, it also heightened the authenticity of her portrayal, allowing for moments of rawness and vulnerability to shine through.

Delving into Callas’ Emotional Struggles

In addition to the technical and physical demands, portraying Maria Callas required Jolie to tap into the deep emotional and psychological complexities of the character. Callas’ life was marked by personal tragedy, professional turmoil, and public scrutiny, making her one of the most emotionally charged figures in opera history. Jolie had to embody not just Callas’ voice, but also her pain and internal conflict.

Jolie spoke openly about the emotional challenges of portraying Callas, particularly how it affected her personal life. With her sons working as production assistants on set, Jolie admitted that the role forced her to confront and express emotions that she usually kept hidden. “I had to show them the pain that I often keep inside,” she said in an interview with BBC News. This vulnerability marked a significant departure from her typical on-screen persona, pushing her to be more honest with herself and her children.

The singing process also became therapeutic for Jolie, who explained that holding onto emotions affected her vocal quality. Through the role, she learned not just about opera, but about how to open up emotionally in ways she hadn’t before. “It was a great gift to learn something new and develop a deep respect for opera,” she said, reflecting on the personal growth she experienced during the filming process.

Conclusion: A Transformative Performance

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas in Maria represents a remarkable achievement in both technical skill and emotional depth. From her rigorous vocal training to the physical and psychological demands of the role, Jolie’s dedication to bringing Callas to life on screen is evident. While the challenges were significant, they also led to a powerful performance that earned her critical acclaim. Through her journey in this role, Jolie not only explored the world of opera but also discovered new facets of herself, ultimately delivering a performance that was both a personal and professional triumph.