Cyrano is one of the most unexpected and gently handled films in recent memory. The film — an adaptation of Edmond Rostand's play Cyrano de Bergerac — is unlike any live-action that has brought the title character to life in the past. In the hands of Joe Wright, who directed the film from a screenplay by Erica Schmidt (who also wrote the stage production the film draws from), Cyrano is a magnetic, musical romance that peels back the layers of its title character in new, exciting ways.
Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) is a poet and soldier who is deeply in love with Roxanne (Haley Bennett) and has been since their youth. However, Cyrano doesn't think he's good enough to be with her and, crucially, fears she won't feel the same way if he tells her the truth. When Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a new soldier, is assigned to Cyrano's unit, Roxanne, who has fallen for Christian, asks Cyrano to ensure no harm befalls him. Christian has also fallen in love with Roxanne, but things get complicated when Cyrano agrees to write love letters to Roxanne on behalf of Christian without her knowledge. Meanwhile, Roxanne must fend off the affections of the forceful De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn), a man she's being pushed to marry for money.
Cyrano’s greatest triumphs emerge when the adaptation veers from the source material. The titular character is insecure about his physical appearance (though it's not an overly large nose), which fuels his sense of unworthiness in the eyes of Roxanne. The film touches upon themes of social status as well, with Cyrano attributing his pride to his role as a soldier and a poet, a talented wordsmith who is nothing more to anyone. What Wright and Schmidt have crafted transcends the original play, adding layers to Cyrano’s pain that is ultimately less about Roxanne and more about how he perceives himself. Cyrano’s final line is all the more devastating because of his journey, a true moment of self-awareness that underlines the reasons for his actions in hindsight.
The film itself is romantic and lyrical thanks to the music by Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner. The songs boost Cyrano, lifting the story to enthralling, sentimental heights, even if they aren't necessarily memorable after viewing the film. Wright gives the film a sense of whimsicality that elevates the material; it’s over the top in the best of ways, accentuating cinematographer Seamus McGarvey’s sweeping camera work and gentle, earthy color palette. The costume design is of high value, detailed and aesthetically beautiful, blending seamlessly with the grandeur of the film’s production design. It all works together to elevate the lush romance of the film — of which there is delightfully plenty — without sacrificing Cyrano’s personal journey. Cyrano’s theatricality acts in its favor. At its core, however, the film is grounded by a well of emotion, the consequences of ego, and the complexity of a warped love triangle.
Peter Dinklage's performance is layered, nuanced, and achingly beautiful. Dinklage really digs into Cyrano's interiority, allowing him to wear his heart and hurt on his sleeve while keeping up appearances like a suit of armor guarding his fear of facing the truth and potential rejection. A master of words and swords, Dinklage portrays Cyrano with frustrated impatience, tenderness, and pride that colors just about everything he does. It's a masterful performance and definitely one to watch. Haley Bennett and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are also great in their roles, wonderfully playing two people who are obviously smitten with each other, their pining and attraction to one another believable in their facial expressions.
Bringing together music, choreography, and love-struck characters together organically is no easy feat, but Cyrano makes it look as such. There's wonder, passion, and layers to the story that distinguish it from its source material. Dinklage in the role of Cyrano does wonders for the narrative and his final line is a reflection of the inner turmoil and truth that cuts right into the heart of the story. Cyrano more deeply explores the title character in all his flaws and it works on almost every level.
Cyrano released in nationwide theaters on February 25. The film is 124 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for some strong violence, thematic and suggestive material, and brief language.