Angelina Jolie has long been known for her powerful on-screen presence, but her performance in the upcoming biopic Maria has taken things to a new level, leaving director Pablo Larraín emotional and, in his words, “moved to tears.” Known for his deeply artistic approach, Larraín’s films often demand vulnerability and intensity from his actors — and it seems Jolie delivered just that in her portrayal of legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
In a recent interview, Larraín opened up about Jolie’s preparation and dedication for the role, sharing that her raw approach to embodying Callas astonished him. The director noted that Jolie’s commitment went far beyond technique; she brought an emotional depth to the set that was so intense, it felt like she was “burning herself” to reach the emotional highs and lows required for the character. According to Larraín, Jolie’s ability to tap into Callas’s complex life story — filled with heartbreak, resilience, and passion — brought an authentic, nearly overwhelming energy to each scene.
Jolie herself has described the project as deeply personal. “Maria Callas was a woman who gave everything to her art,” Jolie shared in a recent interview. “To honor her, I had to dig deep and understand the love, loss, and longing she felt, both as an artist and as a person.” Known for immersing herself fully in her characters, Jolie took time to study Callas’s life, including learning about her operatic performances and her famous romances, most notably her relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
Insiders from the set have commented on how scenes would often end with the cast and crew visibly affected by Jolie’s performance, with many feeling they had witnessed something powerful and haunting. Larraín added, “I’ve seen actors push themselves for roles, but what Angelina did was something else. She bared herself completely, letting her emotions take over. There were times I was just floored, not by her technique, but by her ability to become Maria Callas.”
With Maria slated for release next year, early buzz suggests that Jolie’s performance could be one of her best, possibly even worthy of award recognition. Fans of both Jolie and classic cinema are eagerly waiting to see her take on the role of Callas, hoping to witness the emotional performance that reportedly moved an experienced director to tears.