Callas Forever

Cinematic tribute by Zeffirelli to his longtime friend, opera diva Maria Callas who died in 1977. His own alter ego is British impresario Larry Kelly (Irons), Callas's former manager. Callas (Ardant) is living in isolation in her Paris apartment, mourning the loss of both her voice and her great love, Aristotle Onassis. Kelly and journalist friend Sarah (Plowright) persuade the singer to come out of retirement to lip-synch to a film version of "Carmen," one of her best roles. She agrees and the film shoot revives her but what happens when the filming stops? Ardant may not resemble the real Callas but she has a commanding charisma that enhances her portrayal.