What’s the deal with Mandrax in Maria? Explained

The movie Maria, released in 2024, tells the story of opera legend Maria Callas. It offers a glimpse into her career, personal struggles, and challenges as one of the most celebrated figures in music history. One of the central figures in the film is Mandrax, a journalist who interviews Callas in Paris. He reveals deeper layers of her life and legacy.

Mandrax is more than just a journalist in the film; he is a vital character who takes the audience on Callas' journey. The character, played by Oscar nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee, highlights important parts of Callas' life. He brings to light Callas's insecurities and achievements.

This article examines who Mandrax is, his role in the narrative, and the significance of his name in the film.

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Who is Mandrax in Maria?

Angelina Jolie in and as Maria (Image via Netflix Tudum)

Mandrax is a journalist who comes to Paris to interview Maria Callas, an iconic opera vocalist who has withdrawn from the spotlight. Portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee, the character signifies a link between Callas’s isolated present and her remarkable past.

His position as an interviewer provides him with distinct access to Callas, enabling him to uncover her professional successes and personal weaknesses. Through his probing questions, Mandrax explores themes of fame, identity, and regret, serving as a narrative lens that deepens the audience’s understanding of Callas.

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What is the significance of Mandrax’s name?

The character’s name, Mandrax, holds a significant meaning in the film's context. It is a combination drug containing methaqualone and diphenhydramine. This medication was once used as a sedative and became infamous for its addictive properties.

Callas is documented to have allegedly used such sedatives in her later years. This alleged drug use may have contributed to her declining health and untimely death at the age of 53. By naming the journalist after this drug, the film creates a layered metaphor. Mandrax, the character, becomes a personification of Callas’s struggles with addiction and the weight of her fame.

This symbolism allows the film to explore the connection between her physical and emotional challenges, making Mandrax an essential figure in examining the toll of her career.

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What role does Mandrax play in the story?

Mandrax's role in the film goes beyond his work as a journalist. His persona catalyzes Callas' inner world, causing her to reflect on her history and confront her flaws. The name Mandrax connects him to the larger story of Callas' life, emphasizing the strains of celebrity and the toll they took on her health.

As a journalist, he has the authority to decide which aspects of Callas' story are revealed and which are kept hidden. This dynamic shows the contrast between Callas’s public image and her private reality, making it hard to capture the whole truth of her remarkable life.

Mandrax, who serves as both a confidant and a provocateur, helps to peel back the layers of Callas' personality. Mandrax serves as a vehicle for the film's exploration of themes such as creation, destruction, and legacy.

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How does Mandrax shape the themes of Maria?

Maria ( Image via Netflix Tudum)

The inclusion of Mandrax in the film highlights themes of illusion, memory, and self-discovery. By naming the journalist after a drug associated with Callas’s struggles, the film delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of her life.

Through his interactions with Callas, Mandrax sheds light on the complexities of fame and the human cost of achieving greatness. His presence underscores the interplay between identity, addiction, and the search for meaning.

By weaving Mandrax into its story, the film offers a compelling look at the intersection of reality and illusion. While he remains a source of intrigue and conflict in Maria, his ultimate significance is revealed through Callas’s journey.