Cyrano Movie Review
Nathan Swank
March 3rd, 2022
Based on the famous play by Edmond Rostand, “Cyrano de Bergerac” has had many incarnations. My first introduction was through Steve Martin’s 1983 version called ROXANNE. While I may not have seen all the versions, the story in some facets has always been very prevalent. But I can safely say that CYRANO starring Peter Dinklage based on the stage musical by Erica Schmidt and directed by Joe Wright is easily among my favorite films of the year.
If you are unfamiliar with the story, the current version follows the always incredible Peter Dinklage as the title character. Cyrano is a very clever wordsmith with many talents, but lacks a certain confidence due to his height limitations (replacing the original characteristic of having a large nose) to tell his close female friend, Roxanne (Haley Bennett), his true feelings for her. When a mutual physical attraction occurs between Roxanne and a handsome young man named Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Kind but less articulate, Christian begs Cyrano to help woo Roxanne with his poetic written words. Cyrano, heartbroken, wants the young couple to be happy, letting his own heart pour out in the guise of another man. Roxanne unknowingly falls in love with the words of Cyrano but the face of Christian. The age old love triangle of deceptive communication foils the idea of love at first sight and misplaced desires of the heart.
I’ve always had a bit of trouble with stories that hinge on miscommunication or deception. But the characters in CYRANO all have pure intentions that truly seem to be caring and kind, no matter how misplaced. Immensely aided by being adapted as a musical, the story always felt a little foolish in reality, but improves greatly by embracing the emotional exaggeration of love through song. I was surprised just how much I liked the music of CYRANO, with the highlight being “Wherever I Fall”. Spanning a handful of characters as they share their final words before their certain death, the song is easily one of the most impactful songs I’ve witnessed lyrically and visually. With all the acclaimed musicals that came out in 2021, CYRANO is my personal favorite, bringing me to tears on more than one occasion.
Taking place in Paris in the 1600’s, CYRANO is absolutely gorgeous to view. Nominated for best Costume Design at the Academy Awards, it helps to have the direction from Joe Wright who has helmed other incredible period pieces such as PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT, ANNA KARENINA, and DARKEST HOUR. Coupled with a wonderful adaptation from stage to screen by Erica Schmidt, who also is married to Peter Dinklage, who also starred in the Broadway version, CYRANO oozes a certain passion in the storytelling.
But the winner of the film is easily Peter Dinklage, who gives the best performance of the year. It is an absolute travesty that he was left off the Oscar ballot. Dinklage has already proven himself to be one of our greatest living actors with his incredible run as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones and quieter internal performances in films like THE STATION AGENT. In CYRANO, Dinklage proves powerful acting outshines powerful singing. His musical chops aren’t as strong as say Lady Gaga in A STAR IS BORN or Jennifer Hudson in DREAMGIRLS, nor should it be expected, but his emotion and pain is delivered purely, baring his soul through each song. Give me Dinklage’s instinctual acting and heartfelt song delivery over every trained singer I’ve ever seen in any musical.
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