“Game of Thrones'” Peter Dinklage stars as “Cyrano.” Our JP reviews the musical adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s classic play that tells the story of Cyrano de Bergerac.
Cyrano
MGM Studios
- Directed by: Joe Wright
- Screenplay by: Erica Schmidt
- Based on Cyrano by Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Matt Berninger,Carin Besser. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand
- Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Guy Heeley
- Starring: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ben Mendelsohn
Studio Synopsis:
In the tradition of the classic MGM movies that celebrate romance lyrically and visually, award winning director Joe Wright ( Darkest Hour , Anna Karenina , Atonement , Pride & Prejudice ) orchestrates a gifted ensemble of actors performing the big-screen epic love story Cyrano . This bold new adaptation, scripted by Erica Schmidt and filmed on stunning Italian locales, re imagines the timeless tale of wit, courage, and love. The score and songs are from The National’s Bryce and Aaron Dessner, and Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. In the title role, Peter Dinklage (Emmy® Award winner for Game of Thrones ) makes the iconic character his own.
Cyrano de Bergerac (played by Mr. Dinklage) is a man ahead of his time. Dazzling one and all whether with ferocious wordplay at a verbal joust or with brilliant swordplay in a duel, the hale and hearty Cyrano exults in gallantry and is always up for a challenge. Except, that is, in matters of the heart; only there does what his friend and fellow soldier of the revered King’s Guard, Le Bret (Bashir Salahuddin of A Simple Favor ), refers to as Cyrano’s “unique physique” inhibit him.
He has yet to declare his feelings for — and to — the luminous Roxanne (Haley Bennett of Hillbilly Elegy ); a lover of literature and a fierce intellect, Roxanne has been a devoted friend to Cyrano since their hometown days. He has secretly been in love with her for his entire adult life, but also convinced that his appearance renders him unworthy of her love. From her own perspective, Roxanne seeks to manifest both true romance and a self-determined future; in her overbearing wealthy suitor, the powerful Duke De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn of Captain Marvel ), she can see neither.
J.P.’s Take:
Those of you fortunate enough to have taken a course in classical literature early in your school days may know a thing or two about the legendary Cyrano De Bergerac (played by Peter Dinklage in the film). Although he’s a fictional character, he is a pivotal one to those who understood his parable: The bravest soldier/poet and most exceptional swordsman in France, capable of wielding his poetic tongue just as quick as his sharp blade to conquer any army he faces. Although his wit is just as sharp when writing a steamy verse or two, it doesn’t match for conquering his fear of rejection, especially, when it comes to the love he has for his closest friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Therein lies the tragedy of the legend — Cyrano De Bergerac. From French author Edmond Rostand’s play, which premiered in December of 1897, comes director Joe Wright and writer Erica Schmidt’s (also wife of Peter Dinklage) most earnest re-visioning of the famed character.
My personal connection with the story started in high school, when my creative writing/literature teacher recommended the story of Cyrano De Bergerac. Not truly knowing anything about such classical works, I reluctantly cracked open the book and started reading. I quickly became wrapped up in its tale not realizing I would whisk away on what would be a heartstring tugging journey. So, what brought me to this newly revised film version was not only the fable, but Peter Dinklage in the starring role. It is obvious there is a noticeably striking difference in the character’s appearance: gone is the Pinocchio like nose of the original, where director Joe Wright and writer Erica Schmidt traded it in for Dinklage’s petite stature. Yet the narrative still rings just as clear as before and Dinklage’s performance is what drove it home. There is a certain kind of sincerity and sadness he portrays as his eyes are sometimes cast down, when speaking of his fiery love for Roxanne.
There is a moment when Cyrano yearns to confess his love for her and has been courting her from afar that will certainly have viewers turning on the water work; as tears will start to flow. I don’t usually get choked up watching movies of this nature, however, that moment struck a chord with me. Only because I can relate to Cyrano at some level that I nearly came to tears alongside him. Making matters even more nerve racking is watching Cyrano wrestle with the fact that Roxanne is in love with someone else. Someone she had only connected eyes with briefly at a play, where a man named Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) strolled into town. He was there to join the guards as a cadet. As I’ve mentioned before this is all presented in the most earnest of ways, as the songs encapsulate the very raw emotions each character discerns. All the pain and suffering, all the passion and lust, and all the uncertainty and anger is highlighted by each character’s personal soundtrack.
Adding to the complexity of the situation…Cyrano, Christian, and Roxanne enter into an undercover love triangle. It’s crushing to watch Cyrano succumbing to his hopelessly romantic heart being shattered into millions of pieces. Even though I admire his strength for trying to bounce back by becoming the ghost writer for Christian, you can’t help but to wonder how he can go on. Sitting through musicals for me can be a tedious run, but thanks to Wright’s 90’s like pop/rock styled polishing I wasn’t bored nor wanting to plug my ears. Out of the handful of adaptations, this is one I could stomach thanks in part to the diverse and enthusiastic cast. With the likes of Ben Mendelsohn (as De Guiche), Bashir Salahuddin (Le Bret), Monica Dulan (Roxanne’s attendant Marie), Joshua James (Valvert)…there is a true lively presence here.
“Cyrano” is the kind of simply produced art house film that doesn’t need big budget effects to get attention. The real focus is in the story itself…romance, tragedy, strength, adventure….the ingredients of a true classic tale. And I’m all the better for seeing it — even though it had me nearly in tears.