In the captivating narrative of “Maria,” Angelina Jolie stuns as the iconic Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas. Under the direction of Pablo Larraín and with production design by the acclaimed Guy Hendrix Dyas, the film explores the days leading up to Callas’s death. Set across Hungary, Italy, France, and Greece, with the standout design being a meticulously recreated Parisian apartment, the film delves into Callas’s complex emotional tapestry, closely intertwined with the design elements present in her world.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Production Designer: Guy Hendrix Dyas
Director: Pablo Larraín
Primary Filming Locations: Hungary, Italy, France, Greece
Featured Set: Maria’s Parisian Apartment
Instrument Specialist: Steinway Piano Arrangements
Historical Consultant: Maria Callas Foundation
One of the film’s highlights is the stunning recreation of Callas’s upscale apartment in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Conducting careful research into Callas’s personal preferences and lifestyle, Dyas and his team assembled a rich collection of historically accurate furnishings and personal items. They drew insights from auction catalogs dating back to 1978 and consulted resources from the Maria Callas Foundation. Central to Callas’s world were eclectic and rare pieces, such as Art Deco cabinets juxtaposed with Baroque mirrors, forming a backdrop that reflected her multifaceted personality and taste.
Several extraordinary features accentuate the film’s depth, such as Maria’s bespoke vanity table, inspired by a photograph from her 1954 Chicago debut, and the symbolic suite of busts in her dressing room. These items were meticulously crafted to echo her appreciation of art and history while metaphorically representing her emotional turmoil. Each item was imbued with significance; for instance, Titian’s “Diana and Actaeon,” a recreated treasured gift from her husband Giovanni Battista Meneghini, highlights the emotional layers within her relationships.
Budapest stands in for Paris in numerous scenes and required detailed planning to match the 1977 ambiance of the French capital. Dyas’s team skillfully integrated transportable set pieces like flower stalls and Metro entrances, blending seamlessly into both Budapest and Paris settings. This meticulous attention ensured an authentic feel, further complemented by the use of period-appropriate vehicles and the distinctive Mercedes-Benz limousine that marked Callas’s lifestyle.
Key scenes were shot on location, including significant moments at Milan’s La Scala Opera House, renowned for Callas’s career-defining performances. Recreating her iconic performances, marked by limited photographic references, demanded creative interpretation by the production team, channeling the essence of 1950s opera stage design. The film’s commitment to authenticity extended to featuring the original yacht “Christina O,” which was transformed into a historical set for filming, complete with period-accurate renovations, restoring it to its luxurious glory aligned with Onassis’s era.
The craft of storytelling through set design transforms “Maria” into a richly textured exploration of Maria Callas’s life. Each carefully designed environment serves not just as a backdrop but as a potent narrative tool symbolizing Callas’s internal landscapes. The synthesis of historically accurate reconstruction and artistic interpretation offers viewers an engaging glimpse into the life of one of opera’s most enigmatic figures, enveloped in a visually arresting cinematic experience.
