“Maria” Cinematographer Ed Lachman on Painting Angelina Jolie’s Mythic Opera Legend With Light

Passionate Greek-American soprano Maria Callas was the world’s premier opera star when she was struck with various ailments that limited her capacity to sing. She led a life rivaling any opera drama, including a tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis and explosive interactions with collaborators and fans that made her increasingly controversial.  She said, “I will always be as difficult as necessary to achieve the best.”

Director Pablo Larraín chose to highlight Callas in his new film Maria.

“Maria” Costume Designer Massimo Cantini Parrini on Designing Angelina Jolie as a Legendary Diva

“I am happy with the theater behind my eyes,” utters legendary American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas (portrayed by Angelina Jolie after seven months of intense vocal lessons) at the film’s beginning. Drenched in the melancholy of a woman well aware that her days are numbered, the stunning film traverses between the heights of La Callas’ massive successes in the 1950s and 1960s and present day in her extravagant Parisian apartment, where she reflects on the triumphs,