One of the most anticipated films of 2021, “Annette,” is opening the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival next month. “Annette” marks the first English-language film from visionary director Leos Carax (“Holy Motors“), with music by Sparks’ Ron and Russell Mael, recently featured in Edgar Wright’s terrific documentary, “The Sparks Brothers.” “Annette” stars Adam Driver, and Marion Cotillard is based on Sparks’ original story. They also wrote all the songs sung in the musical. Amazon Studios, who released a new trailer today, will release “Annette” in theaters on August 6 and on Amazon Prime Video Friday, August 20.
The film also stars Simon Helberg. Here’s the synopsis:
Los Angeles, today. Henry (Adam Driver) is a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor who falls in love with Ann (Marion Cotillard), a world-renowned opera singer. Under the spotlight, they form a passionate and glamorous couple. With the birth of their first child, Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny, their lives are turned upside down. A film by visionary director Leos Carax (Holy Motors), with a story & music by Ron & Russell Mael of Sparks, this original musical is a journey of love, passion & fame.
“Anette” has been in the works for several years and began when Sparks met Carax at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013. “Initially, we conceived Annette as another Sparks album. Yet this time, it would be a narrative story that would consist of three main characters, a small enough ensemble that would allow us to also present the ‘opera’ live on tour,” Sparks said in a statement. “The music, story, and album were finished and ready to go, which is where the story takes a huge detour.”
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Suffice to say, Carax was always a fan.
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“I discovered Sparks when I was about 14 – I stole a copy of Propaganda from an underground shop at La Défense because I liked the cover. Not long after that, I saw them live at the Olympia in Paris. Propaganda and their next album, Indiscreet, have been part of my life ever since.”
“Annette” is around the corner, given it will premiere on the opening night of Cannes on July 4. Watch the new trailer below.