Pablo Larraín, the Chilean filmmaker behind "Maria," shares his profound connection with music and how it influenced his latest cinematic exploration. Known for his unique approach to storytelling, Larraín delves into the life of opera legend Maria Callas through a blend of music and cinema. This film not only captures the final days of Callas but also explores her complex inner world. The director emphasizes the importance of music in shaping the narrative, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional biographical filmmaking.
The movie focuses on Callas's last week before her death in 1977, using music as both the text and subtext. Through flashbacks and hallucinogenic moments, the film probes the enigmatic nature of Callas's existence. Larraín's use of close-up shots and personal camera work brings viewers into Callas's intimate thoughts and emotions, making the audience feel her isolation and introspection.
Music as the Heartbeat of Filmmaking
Larraín's passion for music is evident in every aspect of his work. He believes that music holds a deeper poetic significance, acting as a bridge between reality and emotion. In "Maria," he integrates various musical elements to enhance the storytelling, particularly focusing on Callas's relationship with opera. By immersing himself in Callas's world through extensive research, Larraín aimed to capture the essence of her life rather than provide a straightforward biography.
The director's choice to focus on Callas's final week was strategic. It allowed him to explore the emotional depth of her character without overwhelming the narrative with too many details. Music plays a crucial role in this exploration. For instance, scenes where Callas encounters orchestras or rehearses arias are not just visual spectacles but also serve as windows into her psyche. These moments reveal her struggles, memories, and unresolved feelings. Larraín's decision to omit subtitles for the opera pieces was intentional, aiming for a more emotional and subliminal impact on the audience. He wanted viewers to experience the music viscerally, allowing it to guide their understanding of Callas's emotional journey.
Creating a Cinematic Portrait of Maria Callas
Larraín's approach to filming "Maria" was deeply personal. He operated the camera himself, often within inches of Angelina Jolie's face, to create an intimate and raw portrayal of Callas. This method allowed the audience to feel as though they were inside Callas's mind, experiencing her thoughts and emotions firsthand. The film's structure, with its fragmented timeline and dreamlike sequences, mirrors Callas's own perception of reality, blending past and present seamlessly.
To achieve this, Larraín relied heavily on music. Each aria or opera selection was chosen for its dramatic significance, serving as a hidden map guiding the narrative. For example, when Callas rehearses "O Mio Babbino Caro," it reflects her complicated relationship with her father, an absent figure in her life. Such moments highlight the emotional weight of the music, transforming it from mere background to a central element of the story. Larraín's mantra, inspired by conductor Tullio Serafin's advice to Callas, was to "follow the music." This philosophy shaped not only the film's structure but also its emotional core, ensuring that every note resonated with Callas's inner turmoil and beauty.