I have watched a few musicals and enjoyed them but Annette (2021), a musical/fantasy by Leos Carax stands out. It brings to mind musicals like Les Misérables (2012) and A Star Is Born (2018).
This film begins as a deep voice in the opening credits urges viewers not to sing, clap, or even breathe and then I see a scene of musicians and singers in a recording studio, as they perform the opening score, "So May We Start." I think that's a gripping way to begin the film.
*[Source: YouTube](https://youtu.be/l_EaNpL16SU)*As I watch further, Henry McHenry (excellently played by Adam Driver), a bad-tempered, stand-up comedian, charms his audience dressed in his hooded bathrobe with his microphone. As he cracks his weird, not-so-funny jokes, his backup singers sometimes appear to support him.
He falls in love with famous soprano, Ann Defrasnoux (well played by Marion Cotillard), and marries her. They become a famous couple making headlines in the tabloids and a favourite of the paparazzi. They always sang their special song, "We Love Each Other So Much."
Ann becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl named Annette. Later Henry's career takes a nose dive as his marriage and relationship to Ann affects him. On the other hand, Ann's career soars. From this point, the couple's relationship plummets into one of jealousy, heartbreak and doom. But can Henry recover and save his marriage or does he descend further into a black hole where he may never come back from?
Review
This is one of the best films I have watched this year even though it was released last year. I got the recommendation from a cinephile who declares he's Notacinephile. Hehe.
This film answers a question that rings in my brain when I witness a love relationship: can the couple be in love forever? I believe the answer is yes if only doubt and fear are absent. It's a case of two creative people who have to nurture their harmony when one is more successful than the other. Henry and Ann nursed fear, doubt and distrust in each other which led to the untimely death of their relationship and Ann.
Annette is a brilliant, poignant and audacious film filled with dark and sometimes depressing energy. Adam Driver performed spectacularly reminding me of his similar role in Marriage Story (2019) with Scarlett Johansson. His collaboration and perfervid performance with Marion Cotillard in this film is superb.
I enjoyed the well choreographed scenes and the backgrounds. I'm not a fan of classical opera music but the ones sung in this film are lovely.
I rate this romance/musical/fantasy 4 stars out of 5. It's watchworthy if you love musicals and opera songs.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Images are screenshots from the movie
