Maria is a 2024 biographical drama film that tells the story of the famous opera singer Maria Callas. The film is directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight. It stars Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, with Valeria Golino playing her sister Yakinthi and Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis. The movie focuses on the final years of Maria Callas’ life in the 1970s when she was living in Paris.
Where was “Maria” filmed?
The filming for Maria started in October 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest was chosen as one of the main locations because of its beautiful and historic architecture, which can resemble various European cities. The filmmakers used the streets and buildings of Budapest to recreate the feel of Paris and other cities from the 1970s. The team worked hard to make sure that everything looked authentic to the time period.
Paris, France
Since Maria is set during the time when Maria Callas lived in Paris, it was important for the filmmakers to shoot some scenes in the actual city. They filmed at several iconic locations in Paris, including Place Vendôme, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Pont Alexandre III, Palais-Royal, and La Tour Eiffel. These famous spots helped to capture the true essence of Paris, showing the audience what Maria Callas’ life was like in the city during her final years.
Greece
Another significant location for Maria was Greece. Some scenes were filmed in Katakolo, Elis, at a famous ship called the Christina O. This ship has historical importance as it was once owned by Aristotle Onassis, who was close to Maria Callas. The filmmakers also shot scenes at the Apollon Public Theatre in Pyrgos, Elis. Greece’s beautiful scenery and historic sites provided the perfect backdrop for these important scenes in the movie.
Milan, Italy
One of the most important filming locations for Maria was the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. La Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, and it was a significant place in Maria Callas’ career. The filmmakers were able to shoot some scenes inside this grand opera house, which added authenticity and depth to the film. Milan’s historic charm and connection to opera made it a perfect location for this movie.
Visual Concept and Costumes
Before the filming started, the Production Designer Guy Hendrix Dyas worked closely with director Pablo Larraín to create the visual style of the movie. They aimed to blend the fashion and architecture from the 1940s to the 1970s with surreal musical sequences. This unique visual approach helps to bring Maria Callas’ story to life in a way that feels both real and artistic.
Regarding the costumes, the filmmakers made a conscious decision to avoid using any new fur for Angelina Jolie’s garments in the film. The costumes are based on the original clothes worn by Maria Callas, and they consulted with animal rights groups like PETA to ensure that they used vintage fur items from the archive collection of costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini. This decision shows respect for both the history and the values of today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Maria
Q: Where was Maria (2024) filmed?
A: Maria (2024) was filmed in several locations across Europe, including Budapest, Hungary; Paris, France; Milan, Italy; and Katakolo and Pyrgos in Greece.
Q: When was Maria (2024) filmed?
A: The filming of Maria (2024) began in October 2023 and took place across different locations in Europe.
Q: When is the release date of Maria (2024)?
A: Maria (2024) is set to premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it will be competing for the Golden Lion.
Q: Who is in the cast of Maria (2024)?
A: The cast of Maria (2024) includes Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, Valeria Golino as her sister Yakinthi, and Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis.
Q: What is Maria (2024) about?
A: Maria (2024) is a biographical drama that focuses on the final years of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, particularly during the 1970s when she was living in Paris.
