this is directed with bold visual flare by holy motors helmer, leos carax.ed by the band, sparks, who were recently the subject of edgar wright's documentary. ron and russell mael bring a recognisably quirky humour to the score, and there are moments of intentional hilarity, as driver and cotillard sing in unusual places, including in bed. but the story structure feels haphazard, and the characters are hard to access. i also think this could've used the input of a real standup comedian, even though henry's meant to be losing his touch, his standup scenes feel unfunny and unrealistic. still, realism is not the goal with this film, and there are high points — for one thing, i enjoyed the performance from simon helberg, after his similar turn as an accomplice in florence fosterjenkins. and there's a duet at the end of the film which is very powerful. this moment delivers a revelatory explanation for a lot of the madness that's preceded it, but it feels like too little too late. a lavish folly, annette is in cinemas now. next, to marvel�*s first asian superhero