Angelina Jolie recently opened up about the intense emotions she experienced while filming her new biopic, Maria. During a Q&A session following the film’s premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles, the actress shared her insights on confronting her fears as an artist.
“I got to be terrified again as an artist, which is such a gift,” Jolie said. “You get scared and have to do something you’re not sure you can do, and it’s a chance to surprise yourself. I knew I had a safe place to fail, so I was allowed to be free.”
In Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, Jolie takes on the role of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, a challenging part that required her to dig deep into the character’s complex life. “There aren’t many moments in life where you’re asked to give everything you’ve got,” she noted, emphasizing the unique opportunity that the role presented. “It’s one of the greatest gifts, especially as an artist, to have someone ask you to give everything you didn’t know you had.”
Jolie reflected on her preparation for the role, stating, “I did know how to approach this, and so I listened to her,” referring to Callas and the rich history she embodies.
The film’s synopsis reveals that Maria follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous yet tumultuous life in the public eye.
Jolie’s portrayal of Callas has already garnered acclaim, having received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. In a previous interview with Variety, she described the experience of playing Maria and the process of learning opera as “daunting,” further showcasing her commitment to delivering an authentic and powerful performance.
As she navigates the challenges of this remarkable role, Jolie’s reflections highlight not only her dedication as an artist but also the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
