An honest look at Maria (Netflix, 2024) to give you some missing context of the life and impact of Maria Callas as opera singer; as well as some personal reflections on how classical music is depicted in these movies, specially when it comes to the topic of art as suffering; and of course a look at Angelina Jolie's singing scenes; is she really singing, and is it Oscar worthy?
00:00 My problem with movies about classical music
01:35 Was Maria Callas a diva?
07:09 Art as suffering, a problematic movie trope
10:39 Angelina Jolie singing as Maria Callas
14:38 Final thoughts
Some Maria Callas recordings:
-One of the few existing video recordings of an opera production - Tosca by Puccini https://youtu.be/xnFlg1z1hPc?si=6U8JgjwyT0nK_9Qj
- An Aria from Suor Angelica by Puccini; about a mother grieving her lost son https://youtu.be/Z4A4leCgQTM?si=XqW5clcdQy0ox9-_
- An Aria from La Traviata by Verdi; an ill woman who knows her time is up (think end of Moulin Rouge) https://youtu.be/CmcG8fcVWkk?si=BUCCHhQUfwKLT5QV
This video uses interviews with Mike Wallace and Barbara Walters, as well as small fragments from "Maria" for educational purposes.