Cannes: Annette Film Review With Spoilers
The screening of the latest film by Leos Carax ‘Annette’ has graced the opening evening of the 74th Cannes Film Festival. The musical drama has proven to be a bit of a marmite film for the audiences.
Over a hundred of attendees have left half way through the screening, despite it likely being their first cinema screening in over a year. And it couldn’t have been due to other engagements – there aren’t that many glitzy parties in town this year to be rushing to. Yet, it didn’t stop Annette receiving standing ovation at the end of the evening.
It was my first time in cinema since November 2019 too and I was completely mesmerised by ‘Annette’. Starting from the opening scene that breaks the illusion of fourth wall and features Carax himself and writers of all music The Sparks Brothers, the film is perfectly paced and punctuated by the musical narration of main characters. Rhythmic and visually striking, the film carries you through like a stormy wave through characters’ ups and downs right to the final scene.
Annette Review with spoilers
The film is set in Los Angeles nowadays. Henry (Adam Driver) is a stand-up comedian with fierce and quirky humour. Ann (Marion Cotillard), an internationally renowned opera singer. Together, under the spotlight, they form a happy and glamorous couple. Under the scrutiny of photo lenses and showbiz reporters, the newly-wed couple struggles with the concept of fame and wide recognition. Especially as Anne’s career keeps propelling while Henry’s plummets down due to the lack of inspiration caused by ‘being in love’ (read marital issues).
Adam Driver character’s Henry McHenry’s Fall from Grace – song by Sparks:
Their little baby girl Annette is born a doll (no, we neither) – and is destined to become a star. But her parents are becoming increasingly unhappy in their marriage.
Annette is out of this world – song by Sparks
Henry, destroyed by his fall from fame, is seeking salvation in alcohol. Ann finds herself on a receiving end of Henry’s anger. The abuse in their relationships is revealed to viewers via musical inertlude in Ann’s dream: Harry’s previous girlfriends giving testimony statements to the press about the abuse they’ve experienced. Cotillard’s impeccable portrayal of being a victim of domestic abuse if ever so subtle and powerful. The range of her subdued emotions throughout the first part of the film is a pleasure to look at and compensates for the fact that their baby girl is a puppet.
Six women have come forward – song by Sparks
In the attempt to patch up their relationships, the couple decide to go on a boat trip. Caught in sever storm, Henry gets in to a drunken fight with Ann and pushes her off the boat to be swallowed by high ravenous waves.
Let’s Waltz in Storm – song by Sparks
Henry, haunted by guilt and a ghost of his wife, wants to be a good father. But, by the looks of it, doesn’t know what being a good parent means. When he discovers his daughter’s singing talent, he decides to make her an international star. Accompanied by Ann’s pianist The Conductor (Simon Helberg), the trio travel the world and live a jet-set lifestyle. Henry enjoying his high life in night clubs while the Conductor takes on the role of looking after Annette.
The film takes another unexpected twist when Henry, out of jealousy, drowns The Conductor in a swimming pool, to which little baby Annette is a silent witness. It doesn’t take long for Annette to reveal to the entire world that her dad is a killer (yes, a little 5-year old is clever beyond her age).
So may we start opening song by Sparks
The film stands out visually with its brilliant editing – from the opening song scene right til the very end, the camerawork is absolutely sublime. Carax relies heavily on the use of the primary colours – highly saturated green and red at the beginning of the film with blue and yellow added into the mix towards the ned of the first act. The set design is planned with precision and it would appear nothing was left to a chance. Speaking about how demanding French directors can be on set, Marion Cotillard said at the press conference: “he just asked me to do things and I had to do them”. And things she did – from live singing on set to wearing 30cm long high heels.
Introduction of The Conductor (Simon Helberg) by Sparks
Last but by far not least is the music written by the iconic Sparks Brothers. The music sets the tone and the pace of the entire film – the repetitive rhythms and choruses, are enchanting like spells. Nine years in the making, the film is beautifully conceptualised and impeccably delivered.
Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).
