Understanding Mandrax in Maria: Is the Journalist Based on a True Story?

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from the film Maria.

Overview of Maria and Maria Callas

In the captivating film Maria, Angelina Jolie portrays the legendary 20th-century opera singer, Maria Callas. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Paris during the 1970s, exploring the tumultuous life of Callas leading up to her tragic demise. Not only does the film delve into her final days, but it also reflects on the defining moments of her past that shaped her illustrious yet troubled career.

Pablo Larraín’s Trilogy Conclusion

Maria serves as the concluding chapter in director Pablo Larraín’s trilogy that centers around influential women of the 20th century. This trilogy follows Jackie, which chronicled the life of Jackie Kennedy, and Spencer, focusing on Princess Diana’s struggles during the Christmas season of 1991.

Callas’ Troubled Journey

Maria Callas’s life was marked by numerous challenges—from a tumultuous childhood following her parents’ divorce to a tumultuous relationship with the press fueled by rumors of her temper. As her career flourished, so did the struggles with her personal life. In the mid-to-late 1950s, she faced significant professional setbacks due to her declining vocal abilities, resulting in a retreat from the public eye into a deteriorating existence in Paris, as depicted poignantly towards the film’s conclusion.

Mandrax: The Drug at the Center of the Story

The Role of Mandrax in the Film

Within the narrative, Mandrax—a hypnotic sedative known for its addictive properties—plays a critical role. Angelina Jolie’s character grapples with the pain and turmoil of her life, leading her to abuse this substance. This powerful drug, recognized as methaqualone and known as Quaalude in the United States, was originally prescribed to promote relaxation and assist with sleep.

Within Maria, instances of Callas using Mandrax illustrate her desperate attempts to cope with immense physical and emotional pain. Her butler, Ferruccio Mezzadri, intervenes in her life by hiding her pills, emphasizing the destructive grip the drug has on her well-being. Mandrax’s notoriety in the 1970s—as a substance that could lead to severe addiction and dangerous side effects—is highlighted throughout the film.

Was Mandrax Part of Maria Callas’ Real-Life Struggles?

Conflicting Accounts of Callas’ Drug Use

The film raises the question of whether Maria Callas actually used Mandrax in her real life. Current records do not definitively confirm this, with indications that she relied on cortisone and other medications for a degenerative condition rather than Mandrax specifically. Yet, screenwriter Steven Knight suggests that Callas struggled with substance misuse, including Mandrax.

“Remember, this is the ’50s and ’60s when there was less known about the consequences of that. [Callas] always had an issue with her weight, so she was prepared to take chemicals to deal with that. .. She started to use drugs like Mandrax in order to control the pain. Imagine being at the pinnacle (of your career) and suddenly no one’s listening?”

Given the popularity of Mandrax during her later years, it seems plausible that Callas may have experimented with it, even if it cannot be conclusively proven. The research conducted by Knight and Larraín indicates they opted to exploit this drug’s narrative potential in the film.

Mandrax as a Symbolic Character

The Hallucinatory Nature of Mandrax in Mario

Pablo Larraín ingeniously positions Mandrax as a character in the story—embodied by Kodi Smit-McPhee, who represents both a filmmaker and a hallucination. As he captures Callas on film, his presence serves as a personification of the drug’s impact on her psyche.

This hallucination aspect brings forth layers of complexity as viewers witness Callas interacting with Mandrax, blurring the lines between reality and her drug-induced experiences, ultimately leading to profound reflections on her mental state.

Conclusion

The intricate interplay between Maria Callas’ reality and her imaginary encounters with Mandrax highlights the pervasive influence of substance abuse in the lives of artists. As Maria captures the essence of a tragic yet iconic figure, it also serves as a reminder of the fragility of human experience amidst the pursuit of greatness.

Sources: BBC, Decider, USA Today

Source & Images