A POIGNANT TRIBUTE TO A DIVA'S FINAL DAYS – MARIA REVIEW (7/10)
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10)
Maria, a biographical drama that explores the final days of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, offers an intimate and moving glimpse into her life. Through flashbacks that revisit defining moments of her illustrious yet turbulent career, the film paints a portrait that is both tender and powerful, reaching deeper than a simple homage.
One of the film’s undeniable strengths is Angelina Jolie’s commanding performance as Maria Callas. She inhabits the diva with a rare balance of fragility and grandeur, embodying a woman divided between her devotion to art and the weight of her personal struggles. The supporting cast also elevates the narrative: Pierfrancesco Favino delivers a subtle yet profound interpretation, while Alba Rohrwacher brings an understated brilliance that lingers well after the credits.
A particularly beautiful note lies in the meticulous attention to costumes and set design. Many scenes feel like visual tableaux, where the interplay of textures, fabrics, and decorative details creates an atmosphere reminiscent of chiaroscuro paintings. These carefully studied choices do more than recreate an era — they transport the viewer into a world of magic and melancholy, where every frame feels alive with intention.
The cinematography enhances this further, offering striking compositions that reflect the elegance and inner drama of Callas’s world. While the theatricality is undeniable, it serves here as a stylistic strength, giving the film a heightened sense of artistry rather than detracting from its emotional impact.
Though not without minor pacing issues, Maria ultimately succeeds in weaving together performance, visuals, and atmosphere into a work that feels both respectful and artistically bold. It may not be flawless, but it resonates with heart and vision, leaving the audience with a deeper appreciation of Callas’s artistry and humanity.
Poster by http://www.impawards.com/2024/maria.html
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