Film Review: Annette
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
ANNETTE (2021) DIR. LEOS CARAX
Written by Belle McIntyre
Leave expectations behind before viewing Leos Carax’s latest offering. Even if you can imagine a contemporary tragi-comic pop opera composed by the uncategorizable duo of Ron and Russell Mael (aka.Sparks) starring Adam Driver opposite Marion Cotillard, nothing will prepare you for the sheer unadulterated strangeness of Annette. Co-written by the Maels and Carax, it has all the elements often associated with opera, convoluted plotting, high drama and an aura of unreality.
The pairing of the towering gangly Adam Driver as Henry McHenry, a popular stand-up comedian and the delicate, refined opera singer Anne Dufrasnoux (Cotillard) is a study in contrasts. His act “The Ape of God” is transgressive, dark and grievance-filled and followed by enthusiastic fans who seem to thrive on insults. Anne is beloved for her portrayals of tragic heroines whose death scenes are legendary. Their courtship and marriage are the stuff of tabloid and social media catnip. They appear to be genuinely and madly in love.
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
Things start to get strange after Anne gives birth to a baby girl, Annette, who is portrayed by a spookily life-like puppet. The couple is completely devoted to her. The press is rapturous. But, when Henry goes on a world tour and is separated from his family he starts to unravel. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic and he is drinking, drugging and womanizing. The media starts a feeding frenzy which goes viral. Henry becomes moody, bitter, angry and cruel. Anne finds herself a character in one of her own performances – long suffering and patient. When tragedy caused by a reckless, angry, drunken act by Henry, causes his world to collapse and his fans to turn against him.
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
Haunted by guilt and remorse and visited by Anne in his dreams, with only Annette for consolation, he is shocked to discover the five-year old Annette seems to have inherited Anne’s sublime voice. Faced with a ruined career and financial stress, he desperately and cynically devises an act for Annette to take on the stage. It is a totally strange and over the top production and audiences eat it up. Remember, Annette is still being played by a puppet. When Henry’s actions finally catch up with him and he is imprisoned, Annette finally achieves human form as she delivers the final blow to Henry. She won’t forgive him or allow him to love her. Who can blame her? Henry is a despicable character and undeserving of sympathy. He is the embodiment of darkness and he has snuffed out all of the light. So fabulously operatic.
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
Annette began life as a concept album by the Maels 8 years ago. When they were introduced to Carax, there was a perfect fit. The music is wonderfully upbeat, with catchy lyrics even though it is a dark story. The music is the dialog and has finally catapulted Sparks into a more mainstream audience. It has made a fan of me. I have watched the film multiple times and the soundtrack is available and stands on its own. I think it is one of the best films I have seen in some time.
Annette by Leos Carax © CG Cinéma International-Tribus P Films
