– By Cate Marquis –
RATING: 4 out of 5 stars
In many ways, American-born soprano Maria Callas’ life was operatic, with plenty of triumph and tragedy. Early in MARIA BY CALLAS, we see Maria Callas being interviewed by television host David Frost, as she describes her life being divided into two parts, a professional self she calls Callas and a personal self she calls Maria. Maria Callas was a fabulously famous opera star and icon of the mid-20th century who embodied the word diva, and also an intriguing international celebrity avidly covered by tabloid media. MARIA BY CALLAS allows the singer herself to set the record straight on personal and professional gossip.
Maria Callas was the most acclaimed soprano of her time but she was nothing like the stereotype of an opera singer – you know, the heavy woman in elaborate costume standing stiffly while singing. Tall, slim, with large eyes and strong regal features, Callas moved and emoted as she sang, in that golden voice that needed no amplification. Her performance style, stage presence and glorious voice brought her legions of fans. But Callas also was a jet-set celebrity, famously linked with Greek millionaire Aristotle Onassis, who left Callas to marry Jackie Kennedy and then returned to her after the marriage broke up.
Director Tom Volf’s MARIA BY CALLAS offers a personal view of the legendary singer, more an introductory sampling of her work and life than a definitive, exhaustive biography. MARIA BY CALLAS captures a sense of the time period, as well as letting the singer tell us about her life and her work in her own words. For fans who know her work well, the best parts of this film are the performance segments, which are plentiful.
Read the full review on WeAreMovieGeeks.com:
