Photo of Angelina: Harald Krichel - Own work
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo of Maria: Wikipedia Public Domain

Story by: Gail Nobles

In the ever-changing world of movies, few stories are as compelling as that of Maria Callas, the great opera singer who touched the hearts of many, living a life filled with both brilliance and heartbreak. Now, enter Angelina Jolie, an actress whose career often blurs the lines between acting and reality. In the upcoming 2024 film *Maria*, Jolie not only takes on the role of the iconic diva but seems ready to change our understanding of what it means to play a legend.

I approached this film without any deep knowledge of opera, driven instead by my curiosity about Jolie’s remarkable talent. She’s known for her roles that explore deep emotions, from the troubled character in ‘Girl Interrupted’ to the bold warrior in ‘Maleficent’.The fact that she has spent months training her voice speaks volumes about her commitment, showing her desire to deeply explore Callas’s life and artistry. When we first see Jolie as Callas, it’s thrilling. Dressed in beautiful, vintage gowns and the famous hairstyle Callas wore at the height of her career, Jolie’s transformation is striking. For a moment, it feels like history is coming alive, with Callas and Jolie sharing an on-screen heartbeat.

As we look forward to the film's debut, I find myself captivated, not just by Maria Callas’s story, but by the idea of seeing an artist like Angelina Jolie take on such a significant role. Whether you’re an opera lover or just enjoy movies, *Maria* invites you to explore an emotional journey that goes beyond just music.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.