In a candid interview, Angelina Jolie revealed how her role in "Maria," which focuses on the troubled life of opera singer Maria Callas, allowed her children to see vulnerabilities she usually conceals.
Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Pain and Parenting While Filming Biopic "Maria"
Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Pain and Parenting While Filming Biopic "Maria"
The actress shares her emotional journey while portraying opera legend Maria Callas, alongside her sons.
Angelina Jolie is known for keeping her personal life private, but during an interview with BBC News, she shared insights into the emotional challenges she faced while filming her new biopic, "Maria," centered on the life of opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie's two eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, participated as production assistants on set, affording them a unique perspective on their mother’s struggles.
"The character [Callas] embodies pain, and they've seen me endure various experiences, but they rarely witness me showing the depths of my emotions that most parents typically shield from their children," Jolie explained. She noted that the filming process facilitated a new form of honesty about her feelings with her kids, who offered support by bringing her tea and sharing physical affection during tough moments.
"Maria" captures the later years of Callas's life in the 1970s, while Jolie undertook the significant challenge of learning opera singing techniques to portray the diva authentically. With seven months devoted to rigorous training, Jolie described the vocal discipline required for opera as "physically demanding," highlighting the complexities of breath control and physical expression required in the performance.
Jolie, whose prior acting exploits include hits like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and "Maleficent," expressed her initial nervousness about singing in front of others, noting her reticence about the skill. Despite her fears, she found enjoyment in the artistic exploration that being an actor affords her, stating, "The beauty of being an actor is having the support to delve into uncharted territory."
The filming environment also allowed Maddox and Pax to witness their mother confronting challenges head-on. Director Pablo Larraín praised their professionalism on set, while Jolie recalled how Pax recorded her early singing practice, sharing moments of vulnerability with him. She emphasized that it’s vital for children to observe their parents facing adversity, as it offers them valuable life lessons on perseverance and resilience.
"Maria," part of Larraín's trilogy about influential women, has generated varied critical reviews; many praise Jolie's performance, describing it as "spellbinding," while a few note shortcomings. Amidst these mixed critiques, Larraín hopes that the film can elevate interest in opera, showcasing its powerful connection to human emotion and experience.
Scheduled for release in UK cinemas on January 10, "Maria" offers a poignant glimpse into the life of one of opera's most revered figures, while also revealing the intimate dynamics of familial bonds within the film industry.
"The character [Callas] embodies pain, and they've seen me endure various experiences, but they rarely witness me showing the depths of my emotions that most parents typically shield from their children," Jolie explained. She noted that the filming process facilitated a new form of honesty about her feelings with her kids, who offered support by bringing her tea and sharing physical affection during tough moments.
"Maria" captures the later years of Callas's life in the 1970s, while Jolie undertook the significant challenge of learning opera singing techniques to portray the diva authentically. With seven months devoted to rigorous training, Jolie described the vocal discipline required for opera as "physically demanding," highlighting the complexities of breath control and physical expression required in the performance.
Jolie, whose prior acting exploits include hits like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and "Maleficent," expressed her initial nervousness about singing in front of others, noting her reticence about the skill. Despite her fears, she found enjoyment in the artistic exploration that being an actor affords her, stating, "The beauty of being an actor is having the support to delve into uncharted territory."
The filming environment also allowed Maddox and Pax to witness their mother confronting challenges head-on. Director Pablo Larraín praised their professionalism on set, while Jolie recalled how Pax recorded her early singing practice, sharing moments of vulnerability with him. She emphasized that it’s vital for children to observe their parents facing adversity, as it offers them valuable life lessons on perseverance and resilience.
"Maria," part of Larraín's trilogy about influential women, has generated varied critical reviews; many praise Jolie's performance, describing it as "spellbinding," while a few note shortcomings. Amidst these mixed critiques, Larraín hopes that the film can elevate interest in opera, showcasing its powerful connection to human emotion and experience.
Scheduled for release in UK cinemas on January 10, "Maria" offers a poignant glimpse into the life of one of opera's most revered figures, while also revealing the intimate dynamics of familial bonds within the film industry.
