Angelina Jolie Reveals Her Pain While Filming New Biopic “Maria”

Angelina Jolie has shared heartfelt insights into how her children observed her emotional journey while working on her latest project, "Maria", a biopic focusing on opera legend Maria Callas.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Angelina Jolie, known for her private demeanor, discussed with BBC News her experience of filming "Maria", where her eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, were involved as production assistants. The actress portrayed the renowned opera singer Maria Callas, a role that unearthed profound emotions reflective of her own personal struggles.

Jolie revealed that her children witnessed her pain, which is typically concealed from them. She stated, “The character [Callas] has a lot of pain, and they've of course seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn't experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child.” Despite witnessing these struggles, Jolie maintained a close bond with her sons, saying they would comfort her with hugs and tea.

Describing the film as a platform for newfound honesty with her children, Jolie commented, “It was a new way of finding out how to be honest with my children about my feelings, in an even greater way.” With the film penned by Steven Knight, "Maria" captures the last years of Callas's life in the 1970s, promising to mark Jolie's return to the silver screen after a hiatus.

The film, which blends Jolie's voice with original recordings of Callas, required an extensive seven-month training period in opera singing, a challenge Jolie embraced despite her initial aversion to singing. “One of the greatest privileges of being an actor is you often are supported by a crew to try something and explore something you've never done,” she said of her experience.

Adding familial support to the project, Jolie's sons have previously collaborated with her on other productions, exhibiting their continued involvement in the industry. However, their roles as production assistants provided them a unique perspective into their mother’s artistic journey. Jolie recounted how Pax recorded her singing practices during the challenging early stages, highlighting how important it is for her children to see her overcoming difficulties.

"Maria" marks the third film in director Pablo Larraín’s trilogy focused on remarkable women, following tales of Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. While early reviews have varied, some critics have hailed Jolie's performance as “spellbinding,” while others were not as complimentary. As the film gears up for its UK release on January 10, 2024, both Jolie and Larraín hope the project will reignite interest in opera as an art form and emphasize its emotional impact.

With a complex narrative surrounding Callas’s life and artistry, "Maria" aspires to resonate not only with opera aficionados but also with an audience searching for deeper connections to art.