Maria Callas, celebrated as one of the 20th century’s most remarkable sopranos, is the subject of a new Netflix biopic, “Maria,” featuring Angelina Jolie in the lead role. However, this film does not spotlight the heights of Callas’s illustrious career, but rather it unfolds during her final week in Paris, depicting a poignant exploration of her life as she faces profound disillusionment.
Although Callas achieved global iconic status—earning the title of “the undisputed queen of the world’s opera” when she graced the cover of TIME in 1956—her later years were marred by personal struggles. Rather than glamorizing her legacy, the modern portrayal exposes her battle with addiction and mental health challenges, as well as her feelings of isolation and nostalgia for a life that had once brimmed with success and admiration.
Biographers detail Callas’s tempestuous personality traits, including a formidable ego and a notorious temper, which often resulted in dramatic interactions during her performances. A significant aspect of the film is Callas’s hallucinatory experiences that delve deep into her troubled mind, exacerbated by her dependency on Mandrax, a sedative that contributed to her erratic behavior.
Insights from experts suggest that Callas may have suffered from untreated neurological issues, potentially linked to multiple sclerosis, which severely impacted her ability to perform in her final years. Her struggles with addiction and mental health echoes the narrative of a woman who, by the end of her life, felt disconnected from her erstwhile identity as a revered artist.
A notable subplot involves her turbulent relationship with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Their dynamic captured public fascination, revealing a complex love story overshadowed by heartbreak when Onassis chose to marry Jacqueline Kennedy. Despite Callas’s desire for a future with him, she ultimately faced a profound sense of betrayal, leading to her further emotional unraveling.
In her last days, Callas lived a reclusive life, primarily spending time with her dogs and household staff, highlighting her loneliness and estrangement from family. Her tragic death at age 53 from a heart attack underscores a life filled with peaks of fame yet interspersed with valleys of despair and addiction.
Despite her tragic end, Maria Callas’s legacy as a legendary soprano and a captivating figure in the world of opera continues to resonate. The film “Maria” serves not only as a reminder of her extraordinary talent but also as a poignant reflection on the shadowy struggles faced by those who shine brightest in the public eye.
As the world remembers her, there is a lesson in Callas’s story about the importance of mental health and the need for support systems. Her life serves as a cautionary tale regarding the pressures of fame and the importance of nurturing one’s identity beyond achievements.
Summary: The Netflix biopic “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie as the famed soprano Maria Callas, focuses on the challenging last week of Callas’s life rather than her peak career moments. It presents a raw portrayal of her struggles with addiction, mental health, and a tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, emphasizing themes of loneliness and identity crisis. Callas passed away at 53, leaving behind a complex legacy of unparalleled talent marred by profound personal challenges.