Maria by Callas

PAST FILM SCREENING

March 6 – 2PM + 7:30PM

France, 2018 – Rated: PG – 113 minutes
English, French with English subtitles
Directed by Tom Volf
Cast: Maria Callas, Fanny Ardant, Aristotle Onassis

Pulling back the curtain on one of the world’s most recognizable voices, Tom Volf’s Maria by Callas presents an intimate and carefully constructed portrait of revered soprano Maria Callas through a compilation of found footage, photographs, home videos and records, personal letters, and rare behind-the-scenes footage.

Iconic both onstage and off, Callas’ talent and operatic artistry brought her legions of fans and admirers from around the world. However, despite her success and widely esteemed talent, her artistic life was often eclipsed by her celebrity. With rumours, scandals, and intense public scrutiny plaguing her throughout her career, Callas frequently found herself forced to defend her work ethic and shield her personal life from the public, leading her to ultimately feel split between her two identities: Maria and Callas.

Meticulously weaving together rare archival material and employing Fanny Ardant’s (Paris je t’aime, Elizabeth) careful voicework to bring Callas’ writing to life, Volf introduces a new generation of fans to her magnetic personality, unquestionable artistry, and transcendent vocal performances, while also complicating the prevailing narrative surrounding her personal life and public image.

“The film resolves as a passionate tribute to a woman who commanded the world’s attention, but was never afforded its decency. It’s a curtain call for Callas, and a chance for the great singer to be heard again.”
—David Ehrlich,
IndieWire