Annette is new musical, directed by French cult director, Leos Carax, in his English-language debut.
Set in contemporary Los Angeles, the screenplay is written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael of pop and rock duo Sparks, and the film also features songs from Sparks.
Long in the works production finally began in August 2019, with shooting taking place in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Bruges, as well as locations in Germany including Münster, Cologne, and Bonn. Production concluded in November 2019.
The film serves as opening night of the Cannes Film Fest July 6, 2021; a day later, it will be released commercially in France by UGC Distribution.
It is scheduled to be released in the U.S. in a limited release on August 6, 2021 prior to streaming on Amazon Prime Video on August 20.
Mubi has acquired all UK and Ireland rights.
Premise
The story centers on a provocative stand-up comedian, Henry (Adam Driver), and his world-famous soprano wife. Ann (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard). Their glamorous life under the spotlight takes an unexpected turn with the birth of their daughter, Annette, a mysterious girl with unique gifts and exceptional fate.
The tale’s screenplay is by Ron Mael and Russell Mael of Sparks, from an original story, music and songs by the band.
As of today, the only known fact is the first song from the score and soundtrack, “So May We Start,” which was released on May 28, 2021.
Carax, who scored with critics in 2013 with Holy Motors, decided to make his English language debut with a musical named Annette.
In March 2017, Amazon Studios acquired the film; however, the original cast members, Rooney Mara and Rihanna, were no longer involved in the project. In May, Michelle Williams was cast to replace Mara, with filming now slated to begin in July. Production on the film again stalled–screenwriters Ron and Russell Mael attributing the delay to Driver’s commitments to Star Wars. The shoot was then moved to the Summer 2019.
Development resumed on the project in May 2019, with Marion Cotillard replacing Williams. In October 2019, Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory, Florence Foster Jenkins) joined the cast as the Conductor, and Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle was cast in an undisclosed role in her acting debut.
Cast
Adam Driver as Henry McHenry
Marion Cotillard as Ann Defrasnoux
Simon Helberg as The Conductor
Devyn McDowell as Annette
Annette is produced by Charles Gilibert, Paul-Dominique Win Vacharasinthu and Driver. Kinology is handling international sales.
