Angelina Jolie shines in Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’: A deep dive into the film’s journey
A new chapter in cinema
FilmNation Entertainment has successfully sold key international territories for Pablo Larraín’s latest masterpiece, Maria, starring the ever-enigmatic Angelina Jolie. The film had its world premiere in the main competition section of the Venice Film Festival, captivating audiences and critics alike.
Global reach and distribution
The international buyers for Maria span across various regions, ensuring a wide audience for this compelling narrative. The territories include:
- Studiocanal: U.K., Germany, Poland
- ARP: France
- 01 Distribution: Italy
- Sun Distribution: Latin America, Spain, Portugal, South Africa
- Pathe: Switzerland
- The Searchers: Benelux
- AQS: Czech Republic
- Faliro House: Greece
- Lev: Israel
- Italia: Middle East
- MCF: Bulgaria, Ex-Yugoslavia
- Green Light: Ukraine
- Acme: Baltics
- Bir: Turkey
In a significant move, Netflix will release the film in the U.S., as announced this week.
A psychological portrait of an opera legend
Maria is described as a “creative imagining” and a psychological portrait of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Set in the 1970s, the film delves into the later years of Callas’s life, a period marked by her struggle to regain her lost voice. The narrative explores her journey to rediscover her own identity and voice, ultimately doing something for herself.
Angelina Jolie’s captivating performance
Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas has been met with critical acclaim. Her performance is described as “imperious and mysterious,” blending the life force of a genius diva with the emotional depth of a femme fatale. From the moment she appears on screen, Jolie commands attention, embodying the complex character of Callas with finesse.
Larraín’s trilogy of iconic women
Maria marks the third film in Larraín’s exploration of iconic female protagonists, following the critically acclaimed Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). This trilogy showcases Larraín’s unique ability to delve into the psyches of these extraordinary women, offering audiences a profound and intimate look at their lives.
A stellar cast and crew
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino. The screenplay, penned by Steven Knight (known for Spencer and Peaky Blinders), adds depth and nuance to the narrative.
The production companies behind Maria are The Apartment, Fabula, Komplizen, and Fremantle, with Fremantle Group financing the film. The producers include Juan de Dios Larraín, Jonas Dornbach, and Lorenzo Mieli.
A personal reflection for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, Maria offers a rich tapestry of themes and emotions to explore. The film’s focus on Maria Callas’s later years provides a poignant look at the struggles and triumphs of an artist seeking to reclaim her voice. Jolie’s performance, combined with Larraín’s masterful direction, creates a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer and find additional information on the Maria page.
The future of ‘Maria’
With its international distribution secured and a U.S. release on Netflix, Maria is poised to reach a global audience. The film’s exploration of identity, voice, and the human spirit resonates deeply, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the human experience.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as Maria continues its journey across the world, captivating audiences and critics alike.