Film Review

‘Maria’: Angelina Jolie Deserves an Oscar, the Film Less so

While the film’s a blatant Oscar bid, it’s likely there’s no other actress who could have played the lead role better than Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie.
‘Maria’: Angelina Jolie Deserves an Oscar, the Film Less so
Maria Callas (Angelina Jolie) in front of her make-up mirror, preparing for an outing, in "Maria." Netflix
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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R | 2h 4m | Biopic, Opera| Dec. 11, 2024

Rather than creating a realistic, gritty story about the renowned diva of all divas—opera singer Maria Callas—Chilean director Pablo Larraín teams up with screenwriter Steven Knight (with whom he worked on “Spencer,” the Princess Diana biopic) to produce a more surreal, painterly treatment. “Maria” is more sensory than story-driven, and mainly for those who prefer their biopics awash in a melancholy beauty.
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the chief film critic for The Epoch Times, and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by a classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is cited in the book "How to be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to film, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, martial arts, rock-climbing, qigong, and human rights activism.
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