15/37
Pablo Larraín’s Maria Triumphs
Synopsis
Marija Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, relives the final days of her life in 1970s Paris as she comes to terms with her identity and life. Aristotle Onassis, a longtime collaborator of Maria Callas, later married former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Kennedy was the subject of Pablo Larraín’s previous biopic, 2016’s Jackie, starring Natalie Portman. Maria Callas: Reserve me a table at a cafe where the waiters know who I am. I’m in the mood to be happy. Close Up: Why Do We Need a Venice Film Festival? (2024). This film was everything I wanted and more, which is great when I love this unofficial series of Pablo films so much. Something about them strikes me as so innovative and different.
Classic, romantic, somber, beautiful
Of the three, Maria feels the most traditional – less disruptive, less experimental. Even then, it doesn’t fit the mold of any other biopic. Mary is grand and rich, just like Spencer (and Jackie). But it’s even grander than its predecessors, but often colder, for good reason. The atmosphere the storm created was absolutely stunning. The sets and costumes were fantastic. The cinematography was equally amazing. And, of course, music. The orchestra soared in the theater.
They nailed it
Most of the time, the music evoked the most emotion and caused the most goosebumps moments. Angelina Jolie is, of course, the focus of this film. I have to say, after Spencer, I really wanted Pablo to capture the landing with Maria as the crowning glory, simply because the first two were so great. When Angelina was announced for the title role, I knew I was in good hands. This is immediately one of her best performances, and the best I’ve seen all year. So far, the Academy has only recognized her for her more dramatic performances, but this one showed that she commands just as much attention through subtlety. Her character is constantly intimidating, but she never has to shout so you can focus on every word she says. To achieve that intimidation and embody such an iconic diva, they needed someone who could command any room herself. Jolie couldn’t have been a better choice.
The final sequence blew me away
This is one of the best comeback performances I’ve ever seen on screen. For me, Jolie’s performance never overshadowed the other parts of this film that we’ve done so masterfully. The writing was incredible – so witty and intelligent and often poetic. As a director, Pablo Larraín goes full throttle for this final installment of his trilogy. Everything about it was absolute perfection. I don’t actually have any notes. So many sequences were designed to interrupt you in the best way possible. His performance in this film cannot be praised enough. Ultimately, his trilogy stands out primarily because of the actresses who star in it.
It brings these works together in a somewhat formal way
But with Maria, I understand that these performances are both a vehicle for Larraín’s brilliance and a showcase for the actors’ talents. The structure of this film had me close to tears almost the entire time. I couldn’t be happier with the film as a whole and the way it completes this trilogy through the connections that link the films together. As a fan, I especially appreciate the two scenes that connect Maria to Jackie. It’s easily the best film I’ve seen all year and my instant favorite of the decade, and it’s such a blessing if #39; this is the project you’ve been waiting so long for. It definitely sparked a new love and appreciation for opera that I didn’t really have before. After it, I sat through all-night opera for the first time.
