Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Pain in New Biopic "Maria"

Angelina Jolie, in a rare moment of vulnerability, shared her experience on the set of "Maria," a biopic about iconic opera singer Maria Callas. The veteran actress, known for her privacy, opened up in an interview with BBC News, explaining how her two eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, observed her grappling with deep emotions typically concealed from children. The film marks Jolie's return to acting after a hiatus–a performance that has positioned her for potential Oscar recognition.

In "Maria," which tells the story of Callas's life in the 1970s, Jolie's sons took on roles as production assistants. Jolie spoke of the challenge of portraying Callas, who had a tumultuous personal life filled with sorrow. She revealed, "They've of course seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn't experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child." Despite the emotional toll of the role, the actress expressed gratitude for her sons' support, highlighting moments of connection such as hugs and tea during filming.

The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, has been met with mixed reviews. Critics commend Jolie's performance, calling it "spellbinding," while others express dissatisfaction with her portrayal of the opera legend. Jolie underwent extensive vocal training for the role, culminating in a seven-month commitment that she described as challenging and rewarding.

"Maria" is set to release in UK cinemas on January 10, 2024. As Jolie continues to navigate her personal and professional life, she emphasizes the significance of honesty with her children, stating the experience has allowed her to expose her vulnerabilities in a new light.