In “Annette,” Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard play parents to a puppet baby.
Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard are a celebrity couple in musical ‘Annette’
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And that’s one of the least weird things about this deeply bizarre and uproarious movie musical (now in theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime). The film is the brainchild of French director Leos Carax and pop-rock duo Sparks, who initially envisioned this project as a concept album they could perform on tour. But after Carax used one of their songs in his 2012 movie “Holy Motors,” the three hashed out a way to bring it to the screen.
“I’ve always wanted to do a musical, although I thought I could never make one because I’m not a composer,” Carax says. But with “Annette,” he saw an opportunity to wed the “joy” of Sparks with the “grotesque and romantic and gothic” feel of 1974 rock opera “Phantom of the Paradise.”
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“Annette” traces the tempestuous relationship between standup comedian Henry (Driver) and opera singer Ann (Cotillard), and the ways they exploit their young daughter, Annette. Like 1964’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” the film is almost entirely sung-through, with heightened emotions and jarring plot twists that are delivered completely sincerely. And in classic Sparks fashion, major themes are driven home through highly repetitive lyrics.
Characters “can sing about really banal things and it doesn’t always have to be that you’re breaking into song to express some very big, important moment,” says Ron Mael, one half of Sparks with brother Russell. “It can all be continuous.”
Here’s what else you should know going into “Annette,” which won best director at Cannes Film Festival last month and holds 70% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
little annette and i have the same inflatable flamingo cup holder from baby brasa it seems pic.twitter.com/3zLMiQvEsF
Initially, Carax considered computer-generated imagery or an animatronic robot to play Annette, who ages from birth to 5 years old over the course of the movie.
“But I wanted the actors to be able to touch her and for her to be lovable, even for me,” Carax says. He finally found a French puppeteer, who modeled Annette after a young Ukrainian girl named Masha that Carax met a few years ago. Some journalists have declared the puppet “creepy,” while others say she’s “cute.”
“There’s something disturbing that should be there,” Carax says. “I suppose there was a concern of crossing over into the uncanny valley: a robot with a human face, and how creepy that is. So that’s why we made it very obvious she’s a puppet, but I can’t help if people don’t get attached to her.”
Marion Cotillard had to sing during a sex scene, torrential ‘storm’
One of the most talked-about sequences out of Cannes was the duet “We Love Each Other So Much,” in which Henry serenades Ann while they’re naked in bed having sex.
“The moments of them going through multiple sexual acts while singing this song, that was Leos’ (idea),” Ron says.
It presented a unique challenge for Cotillard and Driver, who recorded all of their vocals live on set.
“Singing while lying down was really the worst, but that’s what Leos wanted,” Cotillard says. “We sang live because Leos wanted to have those accidents where you cannot breathe because you’re smoking or lying down or swimming on your back while you’re singing.”
Similarly difficult was a scene in which a drunken Henry and concerned Ann fight during a violent storm, singing and waltzing on the deck of a boat as they argue. The sequence was shot on a soundstage, but all that water splashing onto the actors was real.
“We had to cut some takes because water would come into my mouth and I couldn’t sing anymore,” Cotillard says. “The boat was moving so much and Adam is just this massive man, so that scene was really incredible to shoot.”
It breaks the fourth wall
“Annette” opens with exhilarating earworm “So May We Start,” the first song written for the film, as Driver, Cotillard and Simon Helberg (who plays their scene-stealing “conductor friend”) walk arm in arm down the streets of Los Angeles.
“We wanted to do a film musical with moments that broke the fourth wall,” Ron says. “So at the beginning of the movie, the writers and (actors) and director all appear as themselves, even though it’s still very theatrical.”
Although the film is set in Los Angeles, most of it was shot in Europe. But they flew to California toward the end of production to do “So May We Start,” which is mostly sung in one uninterrupted shot.
“We had rehearsed this so much, so to finally see it come to life for the camera was very special,” Cotillard says.
Carax recently revealed that he had written a small part for Rihanna, whose name was briefly attached to the project back in 2017 before her representatives said it wasn’t happening. The planned cameo was (sadly) never filmed with another artist.
“There was going to be a TV show where Baby Annette is doing a duet with some big singer, hopefully Rihanna,” Ron says. “It was a song called ‘I’ve Never Been Upstaged by Nobody.’ She was singing that, but in this case, Baby Annette was actually upstaging Rihanna.”
It’s polarizing, but that’s OK
With “Annette” hitting Amazon Prime, it’s sure to continue dividing audiences. The movie inspired walkouts at two separate screenings this reporter attended, where many moviegoers seemed unsure of how to react. A small group of people laughed and sang along, suggesting that “Annette” could become a future cult classic.
Bringing the film to Cannes, “I was not stressed because I know the film is amazing,” Cotillard says. “If people don’t like it, I actually don’t really care.”
“It’s really interesting to see that polarization, but in our minds, that’s the reaction we’d prefer to have, other than people just saying, ‘Oh, it’s a really pleasant film,’ ” Russell adds. “For us, it’s exactly the film we wanted to make.”
Cannes Film Festival has returned! After being canceled last year by the pandemic, this year’s 74th edition of the event just concluded on July 17, 2021. Scroll through to see photos of the stars showing up for the much-anticipated in-person event in southern France, starting with Sharon Stone and Spike Lee announcing the winner of the Palme d’Or prize for the film “Titane.”
Lee (right) mistakenly announced the top prize winner at the beginning of the show, unleashing a few moments of confusion. Director Julia Ducournau (left) did not immediately come to the stage to accept the award, instead waiting until the formal announcement at the end of the ceremony with Lee and Stone.
The French director poses with her trophy flanked by French actor Vincent Lindon (left) and French actress Agathe Rousselle after she won the Palme d’Or for “Titane” during the closing ceremony of Cannes Film Festival on July 17, 2021.
Sharon Stone glided across the red carpet in this stunning white gown.
US actress and singer Kat Graham arrives for the screening of the film “OSS 117 : From Africa With Love” in a flowy lavender dress.
Italian director Marco Bellocchio arrives for the screening of the film “OSS 117 : From Africa With Love” and the closing ceremony of the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in a sharp suit.
Director Director Joachim Trier, center, poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony.
Oliver Stone poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony and premiere of the closing film “OSS 117: From Africa with Love.”
Militza Yovanka attends the final screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love” in this stunning blue gown.
Melanie Thierry attends the closing ceremony in a white collared dress with a pulled back hairstyle.
Leonie Hanne made quite a statement on the red carpet in this golden gown that looks fit for a queen.
Rosamund Pike stunned red carpet watchers in a frilly red gown ahead of the final screening during the Cannes Film Festival.
Adèle Exarchopoulos attends the final screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love” and closing ceremony in a backless white silk gown.
Jury president Spike Lee showed up to the final ceremony flanked by jury members Mati Diop and Mélanie Laurent.
Marco Bellocchio attends the final screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love” and closing ceremony during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival in a sharp black suit.
Lee Byung-hun shows up on the red carpet in an embellished suit complete with a monochromatic floral design.
Valeria Golino attends the final screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love” and closing ceremony in a shiny black gown.
Maggie Gyllenhaal attends the final screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love” and closing ceremony in a red and gold halter neck dress.
Regina King strikes a regal pose at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Sharon Stone, left, and Roan Joseph Bronstein pose at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Director Spike Lee flashes a peace sign at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Maria Bakalova dazzles in sparkles and a dark lip at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Nina Dobrev vamps up the red carpet at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Rachel Brosnahan makes an impression in peach at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Kat Graham sparkles at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Darren Criss (L) and his wife Mia Swier arrive at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Bella Thorne poses on arrival at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit during the 74th Cannes Film Festival.
Bella Thorne, left, and Benjamin Mascolo share a kiss at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit.
Asia Argento poses at the premiere of “Emergency Declaration” at the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival.
Bill Murray in a festive shirt at the “New Worlds: The Cradle Of Civilization” photocall.
Sharon Stone is all smiles after being awarded with the Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres.
Moroccan actors, from left, Mehdi Razzouk, Ismail Adouab, Anas Basbousi and Abdelilah Basbousi pose during a photocall for the film “Haut et Fort.”
Kat Graham dazzles in a floor-length sequin strapless gown at the “France” screening during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 15.
Another glam shot of the actress during the screening of the film “France.”
(From L-R) Elkin Diaz, Jeanne Balibar, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Tilda Swinton and Juan Pablo Urrego pose as they arrive for the screening of the film “Memoria” at the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Tilda Swinton, looking angelic in all white, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul attend the “Memoria” screening on July 15.
(From L) Suzanna Son, Simon Rex and Bree Elrod pose during a photocall for the film “Red Rocket.”
Rex poses for the cameras at the 74th Cannes Film Festival on July 15.
Model Sofia Resing looks sultry in a strappy black dress at the “France” screening on July 15.
Tamara Kalinic poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “France” at Cannes Film Festival.
(L-R) Juan Pablo Urrego, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Elkin Diaz, Tilda Swinton and Jeanne Balibar show the Colombian flag with S.O.S written across it as they attend the “Memoria” screening.
Scottish actress Honor Swinton Byrne, daughter of Tilda Swinton, is pretty in pink at the screening of the film “Memoria.”
(From L) Jehnny Beth, Makita Samba, director Jacques Audiard, Lucie Zhang and Noemie Merlant attend the “Les Olympiades (Paris 13th District)” photocall at the film festival on July 15.
(From L) Haitian director Gessica Geneus, Haitian actress Nehemie Bastien, Haitian actress Fabiola Remy and Haitian actress Djanaina Francois pose during a photocall for the film “Freda” as part of the Un Certain Regard selection at Cannes Film Festival on July 15.
Manelle Souahlia one-ups the red carpet in her bright red dress at the “The Story Of My Wife” screening.
British actress Amy Jackson stuns in a burgundy floor-length gown.
Djanaina Francois, Jean-Marie Gigon, Cantave Kerven and Jean Jean pose together ahead of “The Story Of My Wife” screening.
Sofia Resing poses for photographers at the premiere of “The Story Of My Wife.”
Marta Lozano was also in attendance.
Hana Cross showed up to the “The Story of My Wife” premiere looking gorgeous in dusty pink.
Poppy Delevingne popped in yellow at the “The Story of My Wife” premiere.
Elena Badri looked heavenly in white at the screening.
Cannes jury members Jessica Hausner and Kang-Ho Song arrive at the premiere of “The Story of My Wife.”
Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee pose together at the Louis Vuitton dinner.
Timothée Chalamet and Adrien Brody pose together as they arrive for the screening of the film “The French Dispatch.”
Timothée Chalamet attends the “The French Dispatch” screening.
Kimberley Garner attends the “The French Dispatch” screening.
A closer look at Kimberley Garner at the “The French Dispatch” screening.
Benicio Del Toro poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “The French Dispatch.”
Owen Wilson poses upon arrival for the screening of the film “The French Dispatch.”
Iris Law poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “The French Dispatch.”
Iris Law poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “The French Dispatch.”
Director and jury president Spike Lee arrives for “Tre Piani” with his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee.
French actress Catherine Deneuve poses during a photo call for “De Son Vivant (Peaceful).”
Camila Coelho reveals her back-laced gown at “Tre Piani.”
Patricia Contreras attended the screening in a ruby corset gown with a high-low hem.
Victoria Silvstedt donned a boa-trimmed blush gown and blew a kiss to photographers.
Rapper Freddie Gibbs wore a classic tux for “Tre Piani.”
John Savage gave photographers a thumbs-up.
Sean Penn broke out in a grin at the “Flag Day” news conference.
French artist JR leaps on the red carpet for the screening of “Flag Day” in a black ensemble accented with white sneakers.
U.S. actor and director Sean Penn arrives with his daughter U.S. actress Dylan Penn and Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick for the screening of the film “Flag Day,”
Jury members Melanie Laurent, from right, Tahar Rahim and Mylene Farmer pose for photographers upon arrival at the red carpet.
Tonya Lewis Lee and jury president Spike Lee pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “Flag Day.”
Alexander Rodnyansky, Milana Aguzarova and Kira Kovalenko attend the “Flag Day” screening dressed to the nines in sleek all black and flowy red patterns.
Blanca Blanco pulled up to the “Flag Day” screening in a stunning yellow ruffled dress.
Hopper Jack Penn, Dylan Penn, Sean Penn, Katheryn Winnick, Beckam Crawford and Danny Moder and Joseph Vitarelli attend the “Flag Day” screening during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival.
A blinged out Bella Hadid attends a dinner hosted by Chopard.
Jury member Maggie Gyllenhaal poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “Benedetta” Friday.
Jessica Chastain looks like a green goddess attending the Chopard Trophy dinner Friday.
“One Night in Miami” star Kingsley Ben-Adir looks dapper at the Chopard dinner.
Abigail Breslin, center, opts for a chic green column dress at the Cannes premiere of “Stillwater,” posing alongside (from left) screenwriter Noe Debre, Idir Azougli, Matt Damon, director Tom McCarthy, Camille Cottin and Moussa Maaskri.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, left, and Jodie Turner-Smith rocked these sunny white and yellow frilly dresses at the “Stillwater” screening.
Tilda Swinton, right, and her daughter Honor Swinton Byrne looked equally sleek in these dark dresses for a photo call for the film “The Souvenir: Part II.”
Influencer Hofit Golan rocked a princess pink ensemble with plenty of frills.
Model and influencer Didi Stone looked ready to take flight in this shimmering purple gown.
Here, Lee and director Bong Joon-Ho join actress and director Jodie Foster on stage as she receives the Palme d’Or Life Achievement Award.
Foster shows off her award alongside directors Pedro Almodovar, left, and Joon-Ho, right.
Bella Hadid glows in emerald Chopard jewelry.
Actress Jessica Chastain arrives for the opening ceremony in a black strapless ballgown.
Chastain’s full look at the opening ceremony.
Lee wears a hot pink suit during the opening ceremony.
Jodie Foster waves during a photocall for her Palme d’Or Life Achievement Award.
Foster wears a white gown with beading details during the opening ceremony.
Marion Cotillard shines in a metallic silver one-shoulder gown at the “Annette” screening.
Bella Hadid wears a sleek white gown with black lace details to the “Annette” premiere.
Jury member Maggie Gyllenhaal smiles for the camera at the “Annette” premiere.
Gyllenhaal wears a sophisticated satin cream dress with matching cape.
Driver poses during a photocall for the film “Annette,” the festival’s opener and one of the films competing for Cannes’ Palme d’Or.
From left, producer Charles Gillibert, Leos Carax, Ron Mael, Marion Cotillard, Russel Mael, Adam Driver, Simon Helberg and Paul Dominique Vacharasinthu pose for photographers at the photcall for “Annette.”
Cotillard went for a bold black-and-white look at the photocall.
Lee flashes the peace sign during a photocall of the jury.
Joon-Ho is camera-ready at the “Annette” premiere.
Helen Mirren adds a pop of yellow to the red carpet for the opening ceremony and screening of the film “Annette.”
Rocking her curly silver locks, Andie MacDowell also attends the screening and opening ceremony.
Blanca Blanco stuns in a lavender off-the-shoulder gown.
Hadid hugs Carla Bruni at the opening ceremony.
Sporting a black bow tie, Simon Helberg is also in attendance.
Blanco and John Savage pose together for the “Annette” screening.
Elsa Zylberstein attends the “Annette” screening in a regal black dress.
Ester Exposito hits the red carpet in a cascading purple dress.
Lea Mornar attends the “Annette” screening in a black dress adorned with feathers.
Soko stuns on the red carpet with a shimmering silver dress with black bead embellishments.
Elsa Sednaoui poses in a turqouise ombre gown.
Lou Doillon hits the red carpet in gold and black gown.
Meng Li graces the red carpet in bright yellow gown with beaded neckline.
Noemie Merlant attends the “Annette” screening in a statement blazer.
From left, French producer Audrey Abiven, French director Romain Cogitore, French actress and President of the Camera d’or jury Melanie Thierry, French actor and director Eric Caravac, French journalist Pierr-Simon Gutman and French cinematographer Laurent Dailland pose during a photocall for the Camera d’Or Jury.
Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott pose during a photocall for the film “Val.”
South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho plays with his face mask during a photocall for the “Rendez-Vous With.”
Joon Ho poses for photographers at a photocall.
Thierry poses in congac suit.
Director Leos Carax and Marion Cotillard attend the “Annette” press conference.
Charles Gillibert, Russel Mael, Ron Mael, Leos Carax, Marion Cotillard, Simon Helberg and Paul Dominique Vacharasinthu attend the “Annette” press conference.
Director Mark Cousins and producer John Archer attends “The Story of Film: A New Generation” photocall.
Mercedes Kilmer, Jack Kilmer, Director Leo Scott and Director Ting Poo attends “Val” photocall.
Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer at the “Val” photocall.
Director Leo Scott and director Ting Poo at the “Val” photocall.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Everything you need to know about ‘Annette,’ from musical sex to the ‘disturbing’ puppet baby
