The latest film by acclaimed director Joe Wright harps back to a tale reminiscent of “Romeo and Juliet,” which English audiences have long been partial to. However, Edmond Ronstand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac” is a more romantic play, and has been adapted in many ways on the big screen in 1987’s “Roxanne” and in one of its most recent tellings on the west end stage with James McAvoy playing the title role. This version is a 21st Century MGM-style musical; it includes songs composed by Bryce and Aaron Dessner, from the band The National. This is Joe Wright’s first attempt at a musical; however, many of his classic tropes appear in “Cyrano,” it being a period piece which is Wright’s forte.
Peter Dinklage is in the title role; he originated this role on stage, and he fits very well in the role on screen. Erica Schmidt, Peter Dinklage’s wife, wrote the script. His character is good with a sword, and the fights show beautiful choreography in Wright’s hands. Cyrano is very confident in a fight; but he lacks the bravery to confess his love to his childhood friend Roxanne (played by Haley Bennett). Roxanne then confides in Cyrano and falls for the handsome soldier Christian (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.). When she confesses her love for him, Cyrano sees an opportunity to hide behind Christian and confess his love to Roxanne through letters supposedly written by Christian.
The songs, as composed by members of the band The National, are hauntingly beautiful. Even though most musicals nowadays have toe-tapping numbers that stay in your head for days, the songs in “Cyrano” stay with you because of their lyrics and powerful message behind them. Dinklage sings the most in the film as he is the title character; and even though his voice is not the strongest, he is able to convey such emotion in voice, and has a Bowie-like quality to his tone.
Overall, the film is a tough watch near the end and possesses a “Romeo and Juliet”-like quality with the ending. However, the musical is lavish; it includes classic Joe Wright tropes, making it a romantic epic that all audiences can enjoy. This film was delayed in the UK because of the pandemic, and it is definitely worth the wait.
Currently, “Cyrano” is only available to watch in theaters.
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