Maria Callas (1923-1977) is widely regarded as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, celebrated for her iconic roles in operas like Medea, Tosca, and La Traviata. Her prominence was underscored when TIME magazine featured her on the cover of its October 29, 1956 issue, crowning her “the undisputed queen of the world’s opera.”
However, the new Netflix biopic titled “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie as Callas, zeroes in on the final week of her life and rejects the glamor often associated with her. Instead, it highlights a somber time when Callas, living in Paris, reflects on her past amidst a sense of hopelessness.
The film portrays Callas in a vulnerable state, revealing her struggles with mental health and addiction. Despite her confident public persona — encapsulated in her remark, “I come to restaurants to be adored” — her personal life was marked by darkness. Biographers note that her pursuit for admiration sometimes resulted in tempestuous behavior during performances.
Throughout the film, Callas is depicted as experiencing hallucinations, believing she is surrounded by cameras and reporters, a manifestation of her turbulent mental health intertwined with a history of substance abuse. At the time, Callas had developed an addiction to Mandrax, an addictive sedative that compounded her struggles, leading to discussions among experts that she might have suffered from a neurological condition similar to multiple sclerosis. This physical decline made it increasingly difficult for her to sing, eventually leading to despair and a reliance on medication.
Central to her emotional turmoil was her tumultuous relationship with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. While he was drawn to the allure of the opera scene, he ultimately left Callas for Jacqueline Kennedy, a decision depicted as a heartbreaking betrayal. Despite her deep affection for Onassis, their relationship did not culminate in a happy union, leaving Callas devastated.
In her later years, Callas faced profound loneliness and estrangement from her family, compounded by the pressures of her early life in the opera industry. The film illustrates her isolation as she spent her time with a few close companions, engaging in games and caring for her dogs, while grappling with the void left by the absence of purpose outside her musical career.
Maria Callas passed away in Paris at the age of 53, with the cause of death attributed to a heart attack.
The story of Maria Callas serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame and the personal battles faced by even the brightest stars. While the biopic delves into her struggles, it also highlights her unparalleled contributions to opera, encouraging audiences to appreciate her artistic legacy alongside her personal trials. This perspective offers hope that by sharing such narratives, we can foster a greater understanding of mental health and the importance of compassion for those in the public eye.