Leos Carax's 'Annette' Opens Cannes with Sparks Music and Star Cast

Leos Carax's musical film 'Annette' premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Adam Driver as Henry, a stand-up comedian, and Marion Cotillard as Ann, an internationally famous singer. The story follows their perfect life in Los Angeles, which changes with the birth of their daughter Annette, who possesses a unique and disturbing gift. The soundtrack and screenplay are by the band Sparks (Ron and Russell Mael), who have been making innovative music for over 50 years. Carax, whose real name is Alex Christophe Dupont, is known for films like 'Holy Motors' and 'The Lovers on the Bridge'. He debuted at Cannes at age 24. The film's production faced delays and cast changes: originally announced in 2016 with Rooney Mara and Rihanna, then Michelle Williams was considered, before Cotillard joined when filming moved to summer 2019. Carax stated to Le Monde: 'Je crois toujours que le cinéma existe pour nous changer' ('I still believe that cinema exists to change us').