Angelina Jolie stars as opera legend Maria Callas in the Netflix film “Maria,” a biographical drama that chronicles her final days. To accurately portray the renowned soprano, Jolie underwent rigorous vocal training and preparation. She trained for seven months to master each aria, working extensively on breath control, posture, and sound quality.
The vocals and performances were recorded live, with Jolie singing over 20 takes per scene. The film’s sound editor, John Warhurst, explains that capturing the nuances of Callas’ voice was crucial to the production’s success. To achieve this, Jolie would often record her lines in a room without any distractions, allowing only her voice to be captured.
The audio mixing process involved careful consideration of every word and line, with the goal of creating a seamless blend between Jolie’s performance and Callas’ iconic vocals. Warhurst notes that there are moments where Jolie’s voice dominates, but these instances add authenticity to the scenes.
One notable scene features Jolie performing as Callas during a pivotal moment in “Anna Bolena” at La Scala. The take, which was recorded live, is considered one of the film’s strongest performances and serves as a testament to Jolie’s dedication to her craft. Despite initial nerves, Jolie delivers an outstanding performance that meets director Pablo Larrain’s standards.
Larrain praises Jolie’s achievement, stating that she “did it.” Her hard work and perseverance have resulted in a believable and captivating portrayal of Callas, one that will surely leave audiences in awe.
Source: https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/angelina-jolie-maria-recorded-raw-vocals-1236225554