Angelina Jolie's portrayal of opera icon Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's 'Maria' on Netflix is a testament to her dedication and transformation. Despite being tone deaf, Jolie underwent extensive vocal training to deliver a believable performance without lip-syncing.
- THIS was Jolie's intense vocal training
- Live recording presented some challenges
- Capturing Callas' essence was key for her
Jolie's Intense Vocal Training
Angelina Jolie's commitment to embodying Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's Netflix film 'Maria' is nothing short of remarkable. Despite admitting to being "tone deaf," Jolie embarked on a rigorous seven-month training regimen. Her preparation included mastering breath work, posture, and the basics of sound.
"We started with the breath work, the posture and really back to basics [of] sound," Jolie explained. She even spent months learning Italian and worked closely with a female opera singer to understand the nuances of operatic performance. This dedication was crucial, as Larrain insisted, "This is opera, you can’t cheat."
For Larrain to make the film, with Jolie as his leading lady, he knew one thing, he wanted this performance to be believable.
The film required Jolie to sing live on set, a daunting task that pushed her out of her comfort zone. "Ave Maria" was among the first scenes filmed, and Jolie was "terrified" and "extremely insecure." The film's sound editor, John Warhurst, emphasized the importance of recording multiple takes to capture the perfect performance.
"It’s not just going and doing a gig where you go and stand on stage and sing the song. You sing it 20 times," Warhurst noted. Jolie faced the challenge of performing with only her voice as the sole sound in the room, a requirement to ensure the purity of the recording.
Jolie recalls feeling "terrified. I was extremely nervous and extremely insecure."
It was a moment of reckoning for her. While Larrain had limited the number of onset crew members to those who needed to be there, Jolie was having doubts. "Did I do enough work? Am I prepared enough? Can I sing enough?" She continues, "Is John [Warhurst], the film’s sound editor, going to look over at Pablo and say, ‘This is a mess?’"
Jolie's live performances were crucial in capturing the visual and auditory essence of Maria Callas. The intricate process involved extracting Callas' vocals and blending them with Jolie's to create a seamless auditory experience. Warhurst explained, "We did that by using EQ changing and tonal qualities to match into Maria."
The balance between Jolie's and Callas' voices was meticulously crafted, allowing moments where Jolie's voice took precedence. In a pivotal scene at La Scala, Jolie's portrayal of Callas' breakdown was almost entirely her own voice, showcasing her ability to channel Callas' emotional depth.
Angelina Jolie has built a career around playing intensely dramatic and often complex roles, showcasing her ability to fully immerse herself in a wide range of characters. Her knack for portraying strong, conflicted, and sometimes larger-than-life figures has made her one of Hollywood's most captivating actresses.
One of her most iconic roles came with 'Girl, Interrupted', where she portrayed "Lisa Rowe," a rebellious and unpredictable patient in a psychiatric institution. This performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, demonstrating her ability to bring depth to characters battling mental health issues.
Her portrayal of "Lisa" was both volatile and vulnerable, making the character unforgettable.
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Whether playing a troubled woman in 'Changeling', where she portrayed "Christine Collins," a mother whose son is kidnapped, or a conflicted assassin in 'Salt', as "Evelyn Salt," Jolie's ability to dive into intense and emotionally charged roles is a hallmark of her acting career.
Her knack for taking on dramatic roles with multifaceted characters has solidified her place as one of the most compelling actresses in Hollywood.
