Art influences life and life influences art. In other words, our entertainment shapes the way we view the world, and the world shapes the type of entertainment that is made. On its surface, Annette is a toxic love story between offensive comedian Henry McHenry (a terrifying Adam Driver) and world-renowned soprano Ann Desfranoux (a sublime Marion Cotillard). However, this toxic relationship exposes the mechanics behind opera, comedy, and musicals through the simple lyrics, blurring the line between fantasy and reality, and the fame (or infamy) each character achieves.
With each performance within the film, director Leos Carax draws attention to the way the audience reacts and asks what they take away from each character’s performance and persona. On a larger level, as scenes blur from performance to dream to studio, he is asking the same question of the art and performances that we have enjoyed throughout the past couple of centuries. How have these artworks shaped our own views, and how have our views influenced the art we create? How does our art treat the most vulnerable? Who does our art celebrate? And most strikingly, who does our art give voice to? — Evan Cogswell
Arts & Faith Lists:
2021 Ecumenical Jury