'Annette' challenges the backstage musical

"Annette" is a film unlike any other. It links to the oft-filmed "A Star Is Born" and even the wretched "La La Land." If necessary, it can be slotted with the genre of the backstage musical and its sub-genre of stars-out-of-synch. "Annette" is not wholly successful, but that's all right because it's wholly mesmerizing.

The mis-matched stars are a shocking comedian and a silken soprano. Henry appears on his stage in a terry-cloth robe, revealing impressive pecs; Ann appears on her stage, a sylph also alone and spotlighted. She balances his bass with her soprano; his threats with her promises. They play to an audience. Henry's is more Greek chorus than adoring fans; her adoring fan is her conductor.

Henry and Ann meld. From their unabashedly sexual union, Annette is born.  Marion Cotillard ("Rust and Bone") plays Ann in shadow while Adam Driver stands Henry in the klieg lights. Driver's performance is brilliant if brittle. Simon Helberg's impressive musical and acting talents handily surpass his work as Wolowicz on "The Big Bang Theory."

At the start, Ann and Henry's story would seem to be ordinary plot points. However, "Annette" supersedes storyline. Being operatic, it includes murder, passion, jealousy, retribution, and lyrical repetition for effect ("We love each other so much" repeats and repeats in your ear). Being filmic, "Annette" includes animatronic dolls, admirable camerawork, and green lights on the nightclub tables that complement the green light of the couple's pool.

"Annette" begins with the cast and crew introducing themselves and the film to follow in procession. The film is a collaboration between scriptwriters Ron and Russell Mael (the band Sparks) and director Leon Carax. This opening number is meant to throw you off. It's a bumpy ride.  "Annette" is also unforgettable as journey more than destination.