Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Balancing Acting and Motherhood in New Biopic

Angelina Jolie discusses the challenges and emotional depth she experienced during the filming of her new biopic "Maria," including the role of her sons as production assistants and the impact of her performance on their relationship.

Angelina Jolie, known for her private nature, recently opened up about her experiences while filming her new biopic "Maria," centered on famed opera singer Maria Callas. In a candid interview with BBC News, Jolie revealed that her eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, saw "the pain" that typically remains hidden from them during filming. The film, which emphasizes Callas's complex life and struggles, offered a backdrop for Jolie's children to witness their mother in a vulnerable state.

"They were there to witness some of that, but then we would hug or they would bring me cups of tea," Jolie said. This experience allowed for a unique opportunity for deeper honesty between Jolie and her sons. She reflected on the dual challenge of portraying an emotionally intricate character while navigating her personal feelings in front of her children.

Written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, "Maria" is set during the later years of Callas's life in the 1970s, showcasing her tumultuous journey. The film's release has been seen as a significant return for Jolie, who has been selective about her roles in recent years and may be in the running for an Oscar nomination for best actress.

Training for the role required Jolie to engage in seven months of intensive opera singing classes, combining her own voice with existing recordings of Callas. Although she initially felt shy about her singing, Jolie embraced the challenge, describing the physical demands of opera singing and the privilege of exploring unfamiliar territory as an actress.

Director Pablo Larraín noted that Maddox and Pax were instrumental in the production, with Maddox and Pax reportedly assisting behind the scenes on various projects before this film, including Jolie's "Without Blood." During filming, Pax recorded much of her singing practice, highlighting a familial support system amid the artistic challenges.

"To watch your mom not easily achieve something, but rather to struggle and have to try again—this is a profound lesson," said Jolie, indicating the valuable insights gained from their experience together. The film has received mixed reviews, with many praising Jolie’s nuanced performance, while some critics offered less enthusiastic assessments of her portrayal.

"Maria" is the third installment of Larraín's trilogy focusing on complex women, following films about Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. Larraín expressed hope that the film would elevate the profile of opera as an art form, with Jolie adding, "Of course it's for everybody."

With its UK release set for January 10, "Maria" aims to resonate with audiences while shedding light on the extraordinary life of one of opera's most iconic figures.