The last ten years have witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the popularity of big-screen musicals, yet this period has not been characterized by groundbreaking innovations within the genre. Although many successful cinematic musicals, such as West Side Story, The Color Purple, In the Heights, and Wicked, are adaptations of beloved stage productions, others like <em>Wonka</em> and Encanto serve as nostalgic tributes to the classics of musical cinema. This trend has likely pleased musical enthusiasts yearning for the theatrical experiences reminiscent of live performances. However, filmmaker Leos Carax stands apart, aiming to provoke thought and challenge perceptions through his morally ambiguous characters and avant-garde aesthetics. His film Annette is an audacious entry into the genre, pushing boundaries with its unique vision and presenting Adam Driver in one of the most unconventional roles of his career.

In Annette, Adam Driver embodies the controversial stand-up comedian Henry McHenry, whose tumultuous romance with the talented soprano Ann Desfranoux (played by Marion Cotillard) captivates audiences. Shortly after their marriage, they welcome their daughter, Annette, who is intriguingly portrayed by a wooden marionette puppet. As Henry grapples with his new role as a father, he becomes tormented by disturbing nightmares, fearing that women from his past may come forward with allegations that could jeopardize his relationship with Annette. Gradually losing touch with reality, Henry’s agitation grows as he watches his wife’s career overshadow his own. Despite his privileged status, he feels like an underdog, prompting him to embark on a desperate quest to regain his audience’s affection while also striving to transform his child into a star.

Annette is intentionally crafted as a challenging musical, where the stunning production design contrasts sharply with Henry’s deeply unlikable nature, making it difficult for viewers to remain in his perspective for extended periods. While Leos Carax does not imply that Henry lacks talent, he depicts a character who garners an audience by creating offensive material designed to provoke and disturb. This irony is amplified by the juxtaposition of Henry’s caustic persona against Ann, whose voice embodies purity and grace, highlighting a significant cultural clash within their marriage. The stark differences in their performances are further emphasized by their vocal styles; Driver delivers his lines with an aggressive, conversational flair, while Cotillard sings in a classical style reminiscent of her acclaimed performance in La Vie En Rose. The exhilarating musical sequences, supported by the innovative compositions of the cult band Sparks, are enriched by lyrics that convey both literal and metaphorical narratives, allowing Carax to explore surreal visuals.

Understanding the Satirical Nature of ‘Annette’

Annette serves as an incendiary critique of celebrity culture, with the profound irony lying in the fact that Annette is literally a puppet controlled by her father. This dynamic suggests that Henry’s deepest desire is for something he can love without recognizing as an individual, reflecting both his sexist views and his inability to appreciate the artistic expressions of others. Despite his creepy and abusive demeanor, Henry perceives fatherhood as a noble pursuit that justifies his troubling behaviors. Rather than evolving into a better person through his parenting journey, Henry is emboldened to execute any actions he deems necessary to shield Annette from external influences.

Despite the absurdity of its central premise, Annette offers a startlingly accurate reflection of how media outlets idolize celebrities and how the narrative of artistic genius can obscure troubling, even dangerous behaviors. The film’s numerous messianic visuals regarding Annette’s portrayal indicate that Henry sees himself as a deity. While it may not align with what many musical fans expect, Annette emerges as a bizarre, unsettling, yet thoroughly captivating arthouse spectacle that employs exceptional music to convey a timely narrative about the differential standards applied to artists.