A wooden puppet takes center stage in Leos Carax’s surreal, musical rock opera Annette
In short: In this 2021 musical drama, a stand-up comedian and an opera singer navigate a volatile marriage that takes a dark turn after the birth of their daughter. The child, portrayed by a wooden marionette, becomes the centerpiece of a haunting story about fame, resentment, and the cost of artistic ambition.
Directed by Leos Carax in his English-language debut, Annette is a rock opera featuring music and a story written by Ron and Russell Mael. The film follows Henry McHenry, a provocative comedian, and his wife, Ann Desfranoux, a world-famous soprano. Their lives unravel following the birth of their daughter, Annette, who is depicted as a wooden puppet for much of the film. As Henry’s career falters and Ann’s success grows, their relationship descends into tragedy during a disastrous cruise, leading to a supernatural turn where Ann’s ghost grants her voice to the infant.
The production history was long and complex. Initially announced in 2016, the project faced multiple delays, including scheduling conflicts with Adam Driver’s work on Star Wars and changes in the lead cast, with Marion Cotillard eventually replacing Michelle Williams. Filming took place across 2019 in locations including Los Angeles, Brussels, and various German cities. The film premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where Carax won the Best Director award. Critics generally responded with favor, noting the film's experimental and ambitious nature.
The film’s themes explore the intersection of art and exploitation. After Henry is cleared of suspicion regarding Ann's death, he manipulates Annette’s singing voice to revive his own career. The narrative culminates in a public confrontation at the Hyperbowl, where the child rejects her father. In the final scene, the puppet is replaced by a living girl, who confronts Henry in prison. The film’s soundtrack, featuring songs like 'So May We Start' and 'We Love Each Other So Much', serves as a critical component of its storytelling, reflecting the characters' internal conflicts and the film's skepticism toward the value of art.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Annette (film)
- Also: Wikidata — Annette · CC0
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