Angelina Jolie has opened up about the deeply personal experience of working alongside her sons, Maddox and Pax, on the set of her new film Maria, a biopic about opera legend Maria Callas.
In a rare candid interview with BBC News, Jolie revealed how portraying the emotionally complex role allowed her children to witness a side of her she usually keeps hidden.
Jolie shared that playing Callas required her to express intense emotions, making it difficult to shield her sons from her vulnerability.
“They’ve seen me go through a lot, but they hadn’t experienced me expressing that much pain,” she admitted.
Despite the emotional challenges, the experience strengthened their bond, with her sons offering comfort between takes.
Written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, Maria focuses on Callas’s later years in 1970s Paris.
To bring authenticity to the role, Jolie underwent seven months of opera training, blending her voice with Callas’s original recordings for the film.
“Opera requires immense breath control, physical strength, and emotional depth,” she explained, calling it one of the most challenging roles of her career.
Director Pablo Larraín, known for biopics like Jackie and Spencer, praised Maddox and Pax for their professionalism as production assistants.
Pax also recorded Jolie’s early singing practices, giving her a unique source of support.
Reflecting on the experience, Jolie emphasized the importance of letting her children see her struggle and persevere through difficulty.
The film has sparked mixed reactions from critics, though many have lauded Jolie’s commanding performance.
While some praised her portrayal as “spellbinding” and emotionally resonant, others felt her interpretation lacked the fiery charisma associated with Callas.
Jolie, who rarely takes on acting roles these days, hinted that playing Callas could mark a new chapter in her career, possibly positioning her for another Oscar nomination.
As for the film’s broader impact, she expressed hope that it would introduce opera to new audiences, echoing Callas’s lifelong passion for making the art form accessible.
Maria continues Jolie’s legacy of taking on ambitious, transformative roles that push the boundaries of her craft.
Also read: Gisèle Pelicot’s Courageous Stand: A Landmark Trial For Consent And Justice
