Pablo Larraín, acclaimed director known for his works like Jackie and Spencer, dives into his new film Maria with fellow director Mike Mills, recognized for his distinct cinematic touch. They explore Larraín's meticulous attention to architectural details and how these elements enhance storytelling. The duo discusses the rigorous preparation for portraying the iconic soprano Maria Callas and the balance between spontaneity and structure in filmmaking. Their conversation reveals the joys and challenges of directing while emphasizing the magic of collaborative creativity.
Pablo Larraín emphasizes the vital trust and collaboration between the director and actor, specifically in Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Maria Callas.
The integration of pre-selected music into the narrative allowed Larraín to enrich the emotional landscape while capturing the operatic essence visually.
Deep dives
Exploring the Character of Maria Callas
The podcast delves into the complexities of portraying Maria Callas, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by the director when working with Angelina Jolie. Jolie's approach brought an unexpected stoicism to the character, which initially posed a challenge for the director, Pablo Lorraine. Over time, Lorraine recognized Jolie's ability to embody a deeper understanding of Callas' emotional state, ultimately allowing her performance to evolve naturally without excessive direction. This organic process highlighted the significance of trust and collaboration between the director and actor in creating a compelling portrayal of the legendary opera singer.
The Role of Music in Filmmaking
Lorraine emphasizes the critical role of music in shaping the narrative of the film, stating that the musical selections were largely decided before filming commenced. This pre-selection allowed Lorraine to integrate the music into the filmmaking process, using it as a foundation that enriched the emotional landscape of the scenes. The director's approach created a seamless blend between the characters' experiences and the operatic elements of the story, aiming for a cinematic interpretation of operatic expression. By capturing the essence of music intertwined with the narrative, Lorraine aimed to translate the often intangible feelings of opera into a visual medium.
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques
The director shares insights into his unconventional filming methods, highlighting how avoiding traditional storyboarding leads to a more fluid and improvisational shooting style. Lorraine often collaborates closely with his cinematographer, Ed Lachman, ensuring that camera movement and exposure harmonize with the environment and actors' performances. This approach enabled Lorraine to utilize a variety of film formats, embracing the tactile qualities of each while enhancing the authenticity of the on-screen emotions. Such techniques foster a collaborative atmosphere on set, allowing the entire film crew to become an integral part of the creative process, ultimately contributing to a richer cinematic experience.
Director Pablo Larraín discusses his new film, Maria, with fellow Director Mike Mills in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of finding the little details in his film worlds, the importance of architecture in the cinematography of his films, and how he worked with Actor Angelina Jolie to establish the presence of the titular character.
The film follows the famed soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. With time to settle and reflect, she reckons with both her legacy and her identity.