First off, this is basically a contemporary opera. Almost every moment is sung, featuring compositions by Sparks (here’s my review of their doc). The story is loaded with opera staples like desperate passion and inevitable despair. It’s set in modern LA, where Adam Driver plays a provocative conceptual comedian (never funny). His fervent romance with a world-renowned opera singer (Marion Cotillard) develops into marriage and a baby…that’s when things go bad. French director Leos Carax has infused the film with grand gestures, dramatic visuals and plentiful fervor. The performances are dynamic with Driver leading the pack with unapologetic commitment. The songs are primarily pop-based with plenty of catchy refrains (in the Sparks style). Comparisons to La La Land are inevitable, but this much more of an art film than a populist flick. Unquestionably unique.  NOTE: Stay thru the credits for one final song/procession. (4 / 5)

Movieland link
(Launches on Amazon Prime Video 8/20)