Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529668
The design extended beyond interiors. The film shot extensively in the streets of Paris and Budapest, transforming Budapest into 1977 Paris with carefully chosen period-correct cars, bicycles and street furniture. The illusion of Paris was essential for capturing Callas' solitary walks with her beloved poodles, Toy and Whisky. The production even cast and trained a pair of poodles to accompany Angelina Jolie in these scenes and throughout filming. Recreating the stages of the world's greatest opera houses was another immense task. From Milan's La Scala to the Budapest Opera House, the film aimed to capture the spirit of Maria's performances. In one particularly challenging scene, the Art Department designed and painted an original backdrop for Medea, recreating the atmosphere of her 1956 performance. Pablo and I also wanted to include montages chronicling Maria's most iconic opera performances, including Madame Butterfly and Tosca. These sequences served as a visual narrative backbone, showing her A. MARIA'S PARIS APARTMENT. DRESSING ROOM. DETAIL OF HER COLLECTION OF ANCIENT BUSTS THAT SIT OPPOSITE, REFLECTING IN THE DRESSING TABLES MIRROR. PHOTO BY SANDRO PICCAROZZI. B. MARIA'S PARIS APARTMENT PRE-LIGHT OF THE KITCHEN SET. SET PHOTO. C. PARIS FLOWER STALL. BUILT ON LOCATION IN HUNGARY. WATERCOLOR SKETCH BY GUY HENDRIX DYAS. A B C