Adruitha Lee, an Oscar-winning hairstylist known for her work with Angelina Jolie in the film “Maria,” shared insights into the artistry behind creating striking hairstyles reminiscent of legendary opera diva Maria Callas. Reflecting on her influences, Lee highlighted the impeccable grooming of her aunts from 1960s Alabama, who exemplified the standard for women’s appearances at the time. “Even if they went to the grocery store, they were done,” Lee remarked about one aunt who used elaborate “cluster curl” hairpieces to achieve elaborate hairstyles similar to those associated with Callas.
In her collaboration with Jolie and director Pablo Larraín, Lee curated a series of elaborate wigs and hairpieces, crafting an authentic visual representation of Callas that recalled both her theatrical and everyday personas. “I would like to be Maria, but there is the Callas that I have to live up to,” Callas once stated, emphasizing the duality in her public image.
To authentically recreate Callas’s looks on-screen, Lee used 12 wigs and a substantial amount of hair spray, acknowledging that Callas’s hairstyles were a significant part of her identity and public image. However, Lee was mindful not to allow the hair to overshadow the narrative of the film, stating, “The hair is not supposed to be a character.”
This insight into Lee’s creative process showcases the delicate balance hairstylists must strike between artistry and storytelling in film. It serves as a reminder of the powerful role that hair and style can play in constructing a character’s identity while also contributing to the overall cinematic experience.
By channeling the elegance and complexity of an icon like Callas, Lee not only pays homage to the past but also inspires future generations of stylists and filmmakers to consider the profound impact of visual presentation in storytelling.