Maria Callas, one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century, is the subject of the new Netflix biopic titled “Maria,” featuring Angelina Jolie in the leading role. While Callas was once revered as the “undisputed queen of the world’s opera,” the film does not portray her during her peak but rather at a tragic low point—specifically, the final week of her life in Paris.
In this later period, Callas reflects on her life, feeling trapped in loneliness and despair. Famous for her powerful presence both on and off stage, the film highlights a stark contrast, presenting her as a withdrawn and melancholic figure. Callas’s mental health struggles are a central theme, with biographers suggesting that pressures and addiction led her to a dark place. Known for her fiery temperament, she often turned confrontational with her audiences and struggled with hallucinations, especially under the influence of Mandrax, a potent sedative to which she was addicted.
Callas’s turbulent relationship with Aristotle Onassis is also a focal point of the narrative. Though he did not love opera, Onassis was drawn to the glamour surrounding it, eventually leaving Callas for Jacqueline Kennedy. This heartbreak compounded her feelings of isolation and heartbreak, as highlighted in the film’s dramatic moments.
Despite her influence and legacy, Callas faced estrangement from her own family and battled with her identity, particularly after her romantic entanglements shifted her focus away from her opera career. Biographers indicate that this loss of self, coupled with untreated mental health and dependency, precipitated her tragic decline. Callas was ultimately found dead in her Paris apartment at the age of 53.
This biopic serves not only to reignite interest in the iconic singer but also to bring attention to the complex mental health issues she faced. While her life ended in despair, the film may offer a conversation starter about the pressures faced by those in the public eye and the importance of supporting mental health.
In making “Maria,” there is hope that contemporary audiences will find appreciation for both the artistry of Callas and a renewed understanding of the challenges she endured. By highlighting her struggles, the film may inspire discussions on the balance between fame and personal wellbeing, fostering greater empathy for those who find themselves in challenging circumstances.