Angelina Jolie’s Latest Movie, Maria, Filmed in Budapest

Angelina Jolie’s return to acting is celebrated in “Maria,” which recreates the last days of the tragic Greek opera singer, Maria Callas.

Maria Callas Live: Bizet's Carmen Habanera, Hamburg 1962

During 1962 she toured Germany, visiting Hamburg twice. The video recordings of her concerts in the city showcase her in a dazzling variety of Italian and French repertoire for both soprano and mezzo-soprano.

The film, directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, depicts the final years of Maria Callas (1923-1977), the greatest opera diva of all time, when she lived in solitude in Paris. Jolie brings to life the soprano who died of a heart attack at just 53 years old.

The first trailer for the biographical film about soprano singer Maria Callas, “Maria,” has recently been released:

MARIA | Official Teaser

From acclaimed director Pablo Larraín (Spencer, Jackie), MARIA will tell the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest female opera singer, relived, and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.

The film will be shown in cinemas in the UK and Ireland from January 10th, in Germany from February 6th, and will soon premiere in Poland as well.

A significant portion of the film was shot in Budapest, which evokes the Paris of that era with its numerous locations. The recently released trailer also showcases the Hungarian capital: the grand hall of the Liszt Academy provides the setting for the opening scene, where Maria Callas is preparing for a rehearsal. Additionally, the lavish interior of the Opera House, the buildings of Szabadság Square, and the old TV headquarters, the former stock exchange palace, also appear.

“Maria” debuted in the competition program of the 2023 Venice Film Festival. At the press conference following the premiere, Jolie revealed: “I was terribly nervous. I practiced for almost seven months because working with Pablo (Pablo Larraín) means you have to do everything with complete dedication.” The first singing was particularly nerve-wracking for her; she even asked her sons to close the door so no one would disturb her.

The Budapest filming locations once again prove that the city is an ideal backdrop for historical films, while the Liszt Academy and the Opera House are once again in the spotlight.

The film’s world premiere took place at the Venice International Film Festival. It is one of the most anticipated productions, not only among audiences but also film critics. Some of the costumes used in the film actually belonged to the “Queen of Opera,” as Maria Callas was known.

Image source: IMDB.com