Adruitha Lee, an Oscar-winning hairstylist known for her work with Angelina Jolie, recently shared insights into her creative process for the film “Maria.” Reflecting on her inspirations, she recalled her aunts from 1960s Alabama who embodied a perfected version of femininity, always looking polished even for routine outings like grocery shopping. This constant commitment to appearance was exemplified by her aunt’s collection of “cluster curl” hairpieces, which paralleled the elaborate styles of legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
Lee drew heavily from the visual documentation of Callas, particularly from photographers like Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton, as well as from the early paparazzi. While collaborating closely with director Pablo Larraín, Lee strived to capture both Callas’s theatrical and everyday hairstyles. Callas herself famously remarked on the pressure of living up to her own image, stating, “I would like to be Maria, but there is the Callas that I have to live up to.”
To recreate Callas’s iconic looks for the film, Lee utilized an impressive array of twelve wigs and numerous hairpieces, employing vast amounts of hairspray. She noted that Callas’s hairstyle was integral to her presence, accentuating her strong facial features. However, Lee was mindful of the narrative, stating, “I did not want the hair to take you away from the story. The hair is not supposed to be a character.”
In a world where self-expression through style is celebrated, it’s inspiring to see how individuals like Adruitha Lee draw on personal and historical influences to craft visual storytelling. This film not only highlights the dedication behind creating iconic looks but also reinforces the notion that beauty, while profound, should always serve the greater narrative.
In summary, hairstylist Adruitha Lee reflected on her influences from her aunts and the legacy of Maria Callas to create the intricate hairstyles in “Maria,” balancing artistry with narrative integrity.