The Netflix biographical drama Maria (2024), starring Angelina Jolie, dives into the life of iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, the film is a poignant exploration of Callas’s final days in 1970s Paris. Known for her brilliant talent and tumultuous personal life, Callas’s struggles are dramatized through the introduction of Mandrax, a drug that plays both a literal and metaphorical role in the story.
This article explores the film’s key themes, the significance of Mandrax, and its unique narrative elements while addressing the historical accuracy behind Callas’s portrayal.
What Is Mandrax?
Mandrax, also known as methaqualone, is a sedative-hypnotic drug popular in the mid-20th century. Originally prescribed as a muscle relaxant, sleep aid, and anti-anxiety medication, it became infamous for its addictive properties. Known as Quaalude in the United States, the drug was widely abused and eventually banned in many countries due to its severe side effects, including hallucinations.
In Maria, Mandrax serves as a central plot element, both as a substance Callas uses and as a hallucinated character who interacts with her during the film.
Maria Callas and Mandrax: Fiction vs. Reality
Maria Callas’s alleged use of Mandrax is a contentious topic. While the film portrays Callas as dependent on the drug, historical evidence is inconclusive.
Drug Use in Callas’s Life
Callas reportedly struggled with various medications throughout her life. Sources confirm that she used cortisone and immunosuppressants to treat a degenerative condition affecting her voice. Additionally, in the 1950s, her husband introduced her to “liquid vitamins,” which later turned out to be substances that contributed to dependency.
However, no concrete public records confirm Callas used Mandrax specifically. According to writer Steven Knight, the drug was chosen to symbolize Callas’s pain and struggles, reflective of her need to escape the pressures of fame.
The Character of Mandrax in Maria
In a creative twist, Maria introduces Mandrax as a hallucinated character played by Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Who Is Mandrax in the Film?
In Maria, Mandrax appears as a documentary filmmaker who interviews Callas about her life and career. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Mandrax is not real but a figment of Callas’s imagination. His presence represents the mental and emotional toll of her addiction, amplified by the drug’s hallucinatory effects.
Symbolism Behind Mandrax
The character of Mandrax serves as a narrative device to explore Callas’s inner turmoil. Through her imagined conversations with him, the audience gains insight into her regrets, vulnerabilities, and the isolation she felt during her final days.
The hallucinatory aspect is subtly revealed in scenes where Callas’s butler and maid express confusion as they observe her speaking to someone who isn’t there.
Artistic Liberties and Historical Accuracy
While Maria provides a deeply psychological portrayal of Callas’s struggles, it blends fact with fiction. The hallucinated character Mandrax and Callas’s supposed addiction to the drug are fictionalized elements added to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth.
Experts on Callas’s Life
Callas documentarian Tom Volf has pointed out that there is no historical evidence of Callas experiencing hallucinations or using Mandrax. He emphasized that while the film takes creative liberties, it does so to convey the emotional weight of Callas’s challenges rather than strictly adhering to documented events.
Director’s Vision
Director Pablo Larraín and writer Steven Knight aimed to capture the essence of Callas’s internal struggles rather than delivering a strictly factual account. The inclusion of Mandrax as both a drug and a character is a poetic choice to depict her loneliness and deteriorating mental health.
Maria: A Unique Take on Maria Callas’s Legacy
Maria is the final installment in Pablo Larraín’s trilogy of films about influential 20th-century women, following Jackie (about Jackie Kennedy) and Spencer (about Princess Diana).
Angelina Jolie delivers a haunting performance as Maria Callas, capturing the opera singer’s vulnerability and brilliance. The addition of Mandrax as a hallucinatory presence adds a layer of psychological complexity to the film, making it both a tribute to Callas’s artistry and a meditation on the pressures of fame.
Key Cast and Release Details
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Maria Callas | Angelina Jolie |
| Ferruccio (Butler) | Pierfrancesco Favino |
| Bruna (Maid) | Alba Rohrwacher |
| Aristotle Onassis | Haluk Bilginer |
| Mandrax (Journalist) | Kodi Smit-McPhee |
| Yakinthi Callas (Sister) | Valeria Golino |
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Runtime: 123 minutes
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Conclusion
Maria is a compelling biographical drama that artfully portrays the life and struggles of Maria Callas. While it takes creative liberties with historical facts, the film offers a poignant exploration of addiction, fame, and the human condition.
By personifying Mandrax as both a drug and a hallucinated character, the movie captures the complexities of Callas’s life in a way that resonates emotionally with audiences. Whether you’re a fan of opera, biopics, or Angelina Jolie’s performances, Maria is a film worth experiencing.
