Callas Forever (2002)

"Callas Forever" offers a poignant and fictionalized glimpse into the twilight of opera legend Maria Callas's life, as portrayed by Fanny Ardant. The film explores her post-performance years, a period marked by both lingering artistic ambition and profound personal struggles. It delves into her imagined return to the operatic stage, a fantasy that serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the enduring impact of her voice and the complex emotional landscape she navigated in her final years. This film earns its place among Franco Zeffirelli's best for several key reasons. Zeffirelli, known for his grand visual style and deep understanding of opera, brings a profound respect and passion to the subject of Maria Callas. He captures the essence of her operatic world, even within the fictionalized narrative, and uses his directorial prowess to create moments of intense emotional resonance. The film's exploration of artistic legacy, the passage of time, and the enduring power of performance are themes that resonate deeply with Zeffirelli's broader body of work, showcasing his ability to blend personal drama with operatic grandeur.