In a dazzling shift from traditional musicals, Annette breaks new ground with Adam Driver delivering one of his most bewildering performances to date. The film launches viewers into a surreal narrative, featuring Driver as Henry McHenry, a confrontational stand-up comedian. When Henry embarks on a well-publicized relationship with the celebrated soprano Ann Desfranoux, played by Marion Cotillard, the tale unfolds in an unexpected manner. Their daughter, Annette, portrayed uniquely as a wooden marionette, becomes central to the unfolding events, challenging conventional storytelling in a big-screen musical.
Annette captures the tension between personal ambition and complex familial dynamics, set against a vibrant musical backdrop. As new parents, Henry and Ann’s lives spiral when Henry’s success fades, overshadowed by Ann’s soaring career. His ensuing dreams reveal unsettling fears, as past interactions with women threaten to surface, jeopardizing his role as a father and a public figure. Driver immerses himself in the role, weaving Henry’s intense internal conflicts with a raw, powerful presence that commands attention. His portrayal aligns with director Leos Carax’s penchant for creating morally ambiguous characters, testing the limits of audience empathy.
The film’s visual artistry distinguishes itself with exceptional production design, yet the sharp contrast in the couple’s dynamic fuels the narrative’s tension. Ann, with pure and humble vocals akin to Cotillard’s performance in La Vie En Rose, starkly contrasts Driver’s aggressive, rhythmically conversational singing. The dichotomy crafts a compelling cultural clash as their marriage unfolds. The musical’s score, composed by Sparks, enriches the surreal cinematic experience with its unique narrative-driven compositions, artfully synchronizing with Carax’s visionary direction.
Annette is a pointed satire on celebrity culture, underscored by the metaphor of Annette as a literal puppet representing Henry’s desire for control. This symbolism critiques the oppressive nature of fame where genuine individuality is overshadowed. Henry’s flawed perspective, tainted by inherent sexism, echoes broader societal issues, connecting deeply with viewers through its bold portrayal of fame’s complexity. Despite his disturbing behavior, Henry views fatherhood through a noble lens, rationalizing his erratic conduct as protective instincts rather than acknowledging his faults, a testament to Driver’s vivid, complex depiction.
The film cleverly mirrors the unsettling adulation of celebrities, exposing the darker side of artistic genius masked by media narratives. As Annette navigates this landscape, audiences witness Henry’s distorted self-image as he likens himself to a deity through the film’s messianic visuals. Annette blends dark comedy with avant-garde spectacle, challenging traditional expectations of musicals by presenting a timely critique of the dual standards imposed on artists. It is as bizarre as it is brilliant, bringing a fresh perspective through uniquely powerful storytelling and music that linger with audiences well beyond the credits.
