Is Angelina Jolie’s Singing Featured in Maria?

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead for Maria.

Netflix’s highly anticipated 2024 biopic Maria delves into the tumultuous final days of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Noteworthy for its inclusion of original recordings by Callas, the film features Academy Award-winner Angelina Jolie, marking her first film since the 2021 Marvel hit Eternals. Following its debut at the 81st Venice Film Festival in August 2024, Maria has now become available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Paris, Maria portrays the decline of Callas, who was celebrated as the greatest opera singer of her time. Jolie assumes the role of the titular character, experiencing life through a hazy and distorted lens alongside her devoted butler Ferruccio and caring maid Bruna. The film is expertly directed by Pablo Larraín, known for his acclaimed works such as Spencer (2021) and Jackie (2016).

Angelina Jolie’s Vocals Intertwine with Callas’s Recordings in Maria

Noteworthy Original Recordings Enhance the Film’s Authenticity

Angelina Jolie and Haluk Bilginer in Maria

Angelina Jolie and Alba Rohrwacher in Mary

In Maria, Angelina Jolie showcases her vocal abilities, blending her performances with the powerful recordings of Maria Callas. During scenes depicting Callas in her prime, the audience hears the original recordings of her iconic pieces, including “Ave Maria” from Verdi’s Otello and “Vissi d’arte” from Puccini’s Tosca. As the character ages, Jolie’s voice becomes more prominent, seamlessly integrated with Callas’ recordings to create a poignant auditory experience.

To realize this artistic vision, many of the film’s musical moments resulted from post-production techniques that skillfully mixed Jolie’s singing with Callas’ historic recordings. Director Larraín revealed to IndieWire that “you hear 1 percent of Angelina’s voice” in some moments, while in rare instances, her vocals can dominate the mix. Larraín emphasized the necessity of Jolie singing live during filming to maintain authenticity, stating, “Without that, none of this could happen.”

The Strategic Use of Callas’s Recordings in Maria

Integrating Historic Recordings with Jolie’s Performances for Authenticity

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in biopic, Maria.

In summary, the blending of Maria Callas’s historic recordings with Angelina Jolie’s performances was not only a creative choice but a practical one as well, serving to preserve the authenticity of Callas’s legendary voice while allowing Jolie to bring her own interpretation to the role.

Sources: IndieWire, Vanity Fair

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