Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Her Emotional Journey in New Biopic 'Maria'

In a revealing interview, Angelina Jolie reflects on her struggles while embodying the role of Maria Callas and how her children witnessed her emotional process, offering a glimpse into their familial bond.

In an intimate interview with BBC News, actress Angelina Jolie shares insights into her emotional experience while filming her latest biopic, "Maria," where she portrays the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Known for her privacy, Jolie admitted that her two eldest sons, Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21, were present on set as production assistants and saw the vulnerability she typically shields from them.

Jolie reflected on the pain embodied by her character, asserting that while her children have osbererved her struggles before, this was a new opportunity for them to witness her expressing emotions often kept hidden. “It was a new way of finding out how to be honest with my children about my feelings," she explained, highlighting moments of support from her sons, who brought her tea and shared loving hugs during the filming process.

"Maria" centers on Callas's later years in Paris during the 1970s, showcasing her challenges as a celebrated soprano. With only a few acting roles in recent years, Jolie's performance is poised for recognition during awards season, potentially leading to an Oscar nomination.

As part of her preparation, Jolie underwent extensive opera training which she described as physically demanding. The actress, who admits to shying away from singing in the past, found the experience rewarding despite its challenges. This opportunity allowed her to explore a new artistic dimension, supported by a dedicated crew.

The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, serves as the third part of a trilogy depicting complex women in history, following his previous works on Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. Critics are split on Jolie's performance, with some praising her captivating portrayal, while others find it lacking the charisma that defined Callas.

Larraín expressed hope that "Maria" would reignite interest in opera, stating, "If this movie brings attention to opera from one to a million, it will be a success." Jolie echoed this sentiment, noting the deep emotional connection opera fosters within individuals.

Set for release in UK cinemas on January 10, "Maria" promises to offer audiences a poignant exploration of both the character’s life and the personal journey of the actress bringing her to life.