by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most revered stars, recently found herself in a whirlwind of emotions at the Venice Film Festival.
The 49-year-old actress was overwhelmed to the point of tears after receiving a heartwarming eight-minute standing ovation during the premiere of her latest biographical drama, Maria .
The film, in which she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, seems to have struck a deep chord with audiences and Jolie herself.
Keep reading for more details!
As the applause thundered through the Sala Grande, Jolie was visibly moved. She wiped away tears, trying to compose herself as the audience showered her with admiration.
Angelina Jolie brought to tears at one point during electric standing ovation for Maria following world premiere of Pablo Larrain film here at #Venezia81 pic.twitter.com/vxhBvdIyMB
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) August 29, 2024
The sheer intensity of the moment saw her instinctively cover her mouth with her hand, a gesture that spoke volumes about her emotional state.
Adding to the poignancy of the evening, Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, who directed Maria , was by her side, guiding her down the stairs as the applause continued to echo.
This scene was a stark contrast to the turbulent personal life Jolie is currently navigating, particularly her ongoing and highly publicized divorce battle with Brad Pitt.
During a press conference earlier that day, Jolie opened up about the profound impact the role had on her.
Preparing for the part of Maria Callas was no small feat. It required nearly seven months of rigorous training with opera singers and coaches.
Jolie worked tirelessly to perfect her posture, breathing, and movement, essential skills to authentically embody the opera icon.
But beyond the technical challenges, Jolie revealed that the role served as an unexpected form of therapy.
“I had no idea how much I was holding in and not letting out,” she shared candidly. The experience forced her to confront and express deeply buried emotions, making the role as much an emotional journey as it was a professional challenge.
Jolie also found a personal connection with Callas, particularly in the singer’s vulnerability.
“The part of her that’s extremely soft and doesn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was — I share her vulnerability more than anything,” Jolie reflected.
This deep emotional resonance with her character perhaps contributed to the tears she shed during the standing ovation.
Despite the accolades and applause, Jolie’s recent appearances have been tinged with the shadow of her tumultuous divorce from Brad Pitt.
Their split, which dates back to a contentious incident on a plane in 2016, has been a source of ongoing stress and public scrutiny.
Jolie has alleged in court documents that Pitt was physically abusive towards her and their children during the incident, claims he has vehemently denied.
On the red carpet , Jolie managed to flash her iconic smile, but it was clear that the emotional toll of her divorce was still very much present.
She has openly discussed the “despair” and “pain” she has endured, hinting at the deep scars left by her relationship’s breakdown.
Event | Details | Date/Timeframe |
---|---|---|
Ongoing Divorce from Brad Pitt
|
The protracted divorce between Jolie and Pitt continues, with unresolved disputes and emotional strain. | Ongoing since 2016 |
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt’s Name Change
|
Shiloh legally dropped the “Pitt” surname, choosing to go by Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. | May 2024 |
Impact on Children’s Custody
|
Pitt was initially awarded 50-50 custody, which was later overturned, leading to ongoing family tensions. | 2021 and ongoing |
Pax’s Estrangement from Brad Pitt
|
Pax has refused contact with Pitt following a bike accident , further straining the father-son relationship. | July 2024 |
Close-Knit Sibling Group
|
The children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne—have formed a tight-knit bond amidst the family turmoil. | Ongoing |
In a poignant reflection on her evolving musical tastes, Jolie shared that while she was once a punk rock enthusiast with a love for bands like The Clash , she has since gravitated towards classical music and opera.
This shift, she explained, is tied to the intense emotional experiences she has faced.
“When you have felt a certain level of despair, of pain, of love at a certain point, there are only certain sounds that can match that feeling,” Jolie said.
For her, the grandeur and emotion of opera have become a fitting soundtrack to the turbulence in her life.
In Maria , Jolie steps into the shoes of one of the most iconic opera singers in history.
The film, which also stars Valeria Golino as Callas’s sister and Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis, delves into the life and legacy of Maria Callas, covering everything from her passionate affair with Onassis to her tragic death in Paris at the age of 53.
Jolie took on the role with a deep sense of responsibility, fully aware of the challenges it entailed.
“I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy,” she stated. Working under the direction of Pablo Larraín, whom she has long admired, was both a privilege and a challenge.
Jolie dedicated herself to rigorous vocal training, guided by renowned vocal coach Eric Vetro, to ensure she could authentically portray Callas.
Despite her nerves, particularly during her first public singing performance, Jolie’s commitment to the role never wavered.
From the small practice rooms to the grandeur of La Scala in Paris, she embraced the journey, driven by her respect for Callas and the desire not to disappoint the singer’s devoted fans.
Maria is more than just a biographical drama; it’s a tribute to a woman whose life was as powerful and tragic as the arias she performed.
The film captures Callas’s rise to fame, her tumultuous personal life, and her tragic end.
Jolie’s portrayal is expected to be one of her most significant roles, capturing the complexity and depth of a woman who lived with immense passion and vulnerability.
For Jolie, Maria represents a convergence of her personal and professional life — a project that allowed her to channel her own experiences of love, pain, and resilience into a role that demanded nothing less than complete emotional and physical immersion.
As she continues to navigate the challenges of her personal life, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas shows her enduring strength and talent.
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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