Angelina Jolie hits the high notes as MARIA in Pablo Larraín’s final “Lady with Heels” trilogy of female-led biopics. Like his other two offerings – JACKIE and SPENCER – this one is so beautifully shot. Each frame is like a painting. A still life to be displayed. But sadly this one is just as slow and tedious as its sisters. Without the stunning performance of Jolie, this one would have little to offer other than just a pretty face.
MARIA RELEASES GLOBALLY ON NETFLIX DECEMBER 6TH
SYNOPSIS: Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.
In this story we get a glimpse into the life of opera singer Maria Callas (Angelina Jolie) as she tells of her journey to a reporter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). I do not like constantly comparing this film to Jackie and Spencer, but Pablo Larrain created them so very similar that it is nearly impossible. In fact there is a bit of crossover here as Maria and Jackie are contemporaries when it comes to “dating” one high profile billionaire.
Callas is at a point in her life when her voice has failed her and she is trying to decide what – if anything – she has to replace it. She lives a quiet life now with two staff members who, in her own words, play many roles including family. She is gearing up for one last concert knowing that it could be a detriment to her health. When talking to the reporter Callas also talks of her tragic childhood, a love affair with Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), and the diva that was.
Much of the film is set either in Maria’s home or walking the streets of Paris. Pablo uses both of these to create the most stunning visuals and use of color. It truly is an art form the way he styles a scene. Feel free to randomly hit pause at any moment – unless you are at the theater which is frowned upon – and spend some time just wondering at the beauty and details. Beauty will only take you so far though. Luckily this film also has another bright element, and that is the performance of Angelina Jolie.
Jolie took months of opera lessons so she could do the role without dubs. And the award goes to… There were times I was transfixed by that voice coming out of that face. To sing an opera is different than learning a country twang for a Johnny Cash film. No offense to all the people I just offended. The pitch and control of her performances are a powerful element to this film.
I also love how Jolie will sit in a moment and say nothing other than a reflective, “hmm”. I am not familiar enough with Maria Callas to know if this was a trit of hers or something that Jolie and Pablo came up with. Regardless it is one of my favorite character pieces and Angelina uses it perfectly.
I seldom recommend a film based solely on one performance but in this case I will. Like Jackie and Spencer, MARIA is a small moment in the life of a powerful woman. It is slow paced and at times lethargic. Pablo Larrain makes no apologies in how he tells a story, and it is not for everyone. But if you want to be in the know come Oscar season this is one to sit through.
MARIA is rated R for some language including a sexual reference. it is by far the tamest R rated film you will ever watch. Other than a couple of F-Bombs and thematic elements it is void of anything offensive. Unless walking quietly though the streets of Paris is offensive.
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