Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie: Singing in the Rain (of Tears) at Venice!

Angelina Jolie steals the spotlight and our hearts in the new biopic 'Maria,' with an emotional performance that earned an 8-minute standing ovation. Watch out, Oscars!

In a stunning turn of events at the Venice Film Festival, the always-illustrious Angelina Jolie found herself in an emotional whirlwind, moved to tears by an electrifying eight-minute standing ovation for her performance in the new biopic 'Maria.' Portraying the legendary opera diva Maria Callas, Jolie's portrayal was so captivating that even the usually composed crowd couldn't hold back their admiration. Director Pablo Larraín has captured the essence of Callas's tumultuous life, and Jolie’s dramatic flair shines through, as she totters through a stylish rendition of 1970s Paris like an exquisite painting, pulling emotional reactions from the audience.

Despite such adoration, some critics noted that while Jolie was mesmerizing, the film itself fell a bit flat in terms of depth. Described as existing within a 'Madonna-martyr phase,' it's evident that the film occasionally struggles to hit the high notes, like a slightly out-of-tune opera. However, the visuals are undeniably stunning. Larraín, known for his thematic trilogy of women’s biopics, including 'Jackie' and 'Spencer', presents a beautiful yet tragic picture of the iconic singer's life, drawing us into a world filled with both glamour and despair.

Jolie's transformation didn't come without hard work; she reportedly underwent seven months of vocal training to prepare for the role! Her admission of being 'terribly nervous' before singing illustrates the tremendous effort she put in to embody Callas' complicated persona. It’s a reminder that even A-listers feel the pressure, adding a relatable picture to this glamorous world of cinema. Seven months of training may sound intense, but with her track record, who can blame her for wanting to deliver a pitch-perfect performance?

As the curtain falls on the Venice premiere, it’s safe to say that the industry has a keen eye on Jolie’s future, as whispers of a potential Oscar nomination begin swirling. Regardless of the film’s mixed reviews, her heartfelt response to the audience’s cheers hints that she’s truly back in fighting form. Could this be the role that gives her a second statue? Only time will tell!

Did you know that Maria Callas was often referred to as 'La Divina'? Her larger-than-life persona and extraordinary talent made her an icon of the 20th century. Additionally, the Venice Film Festival, founded in 1932, is the oldest film festival in the world, and it has launched countless careers, making Jolie’s emotional reception a perfect tie-in to Hollywood history.