Words Hannah Taylor

Known as one of the best and most controversial singers of the twentieth century, Maria Callas’ diva demands, love affairs, and fierce public rivalry with fellow opera legend Renata Tebaldi constantly made headlines. Maria’s tumultuous life in the spotlight was certain to take its toll.

This reflection on a career of superstardom boasts an ensemble cast as Maria’s family and famous historical figures she encounters, including Caspar Philipson as JFK; Haluk Bilginer as Maria’s toxic love interest, Aristotle Onassis; and Valeria Golino as Maria’s sister, Yakinthi. Depicting younger Maria is shared by Aggelina Papadopoulou and Christiana Aloneftis, while Kodi Smit-McPhee takes the intriguing role of Mandrax, a personification of the sedative medication Maria takes.

Academy Award-winning director Pablo Larraín is a virtuoso when it comes to bringing celebrity life stories to the screen, having previously helmed acclaimed biopics of Princess Diana in Spencer and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie. Pairing with Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, they showcase the legendary singer’s last days as she accustoms to seclusion in Paris, losing her incomparable voice, and closing the curtain on a life as the world’s greatest opera singer.

The Power Of Music

Cinema sings high praise for opera films showing that when the red curtain opens, they command the stage and screen.

The Phantom Of The Opera

Based on the original French novel and adapted from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage sensation, this darkly romantic opera follows Gerard Butler’s masked musical genius living beneath the Paris Opera House and his obsession with a young opera singer.

Florence Foster Jenkins

Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant star in the hilarious story of the heiress who wants to fulfil her dreams of becoming a famous opera singer… despite her terrible voice. With the support of her devoted husband, she prepares to perform at the famous Carnegie Hall despite all the odds against her.