Annette, the upcoming musical by acclaimed filmmaker Leos Carax, stars Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard and Simon Helberg.
Annette Official Trailer
Venerated filmmaker Leos Carax has returned, 9 years after the critical acclaimed Holy Motors. He opened this years Cannes Film Festival with the musical drama Annette and went on to win the Best Director Award, while The Sparks (who are having quite a year, as they have also been the topic in Edgar Wright’s acclaimed documentary The Sparks Brothers) went on to win the Award for the best soundtrack.
This isn’t surprising as I don’t see myself getting “So May We Start” out of my head for the next few days. After a two week theatrical run, Annette is now about to hit Amazon Prime and might be something to look out for.
Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard star as a famous couple: Driver a comedian, Cotillard a singer. The musical follows them as they have to navigate their relationship, career and their special little daughter Annette. Both deliver superb performances, though Driver is the standout as he gets the most to do.
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While I expected the film to be the creative child of a unique filmmaker and a genre that isn’t for everyone, I was surprised at how accessible it was. The story and characters’ motivations are always clear and easy to follow, something that is often enhanced by Carax’s on point directing. Holy Motors cinematographer Caroline Champetier’s striking cinematography also emphasizes the beautiful sets and scenery.
The biggest struggle the film faces is its runtime. As exciting as the opening and first half of the film is, it feels longer and longer as it goes on. By the end, it struggled to keep me invested. The story is at its core relatively simple, and it slowly becomes more and more predictable as it gets stretched through long sequences that could have been shorter.
Annette is a unique musical featuring great lead performances, catchy songs and striking visuals. While it would have benefited a lot from a more compact runtime, it might even be something for general audiences.
Annette Official Synopsis
Los Angeles, today. Henry (Adam Driver) is a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor who falls in love with Ann (Marion Cotillard), a world-renowned opera singer. Under the spotlight, they form a passionate and glamorous couple. The birth of their first child, Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny, will turn their lives upside down. (Amazon Prime Video)
3,5/5
Annette is playing in theaters and hits Amazon Prime Video August 20, 2021. It is directed by Leos Carax and stars: Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard and Simon Helberg. It is Rated R for sexual content including some nudity, and for language.
What do you guys think? Are you planning to watch it? Have you seen it already, if so how did you like it? Let’s discuss everything in the comments down below and on our Twitter.
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