Cyrano

Seems like the writers had never read the play. Felt like they missed the soul of the source material. Actors were beautifully cast but the dialogue and lyrics felt clunky and misguided. Felt like a love story when it absolutely is a story about failed truth. Joe Wright had done a beautiful job as always but again overall it feels like the point is missed. Still an enjoyable watch but the musical bits felt jarring and out of nowhere. Captured none of the humor and cavalier attitude. De Guiche also came across as very r*pey which felt very odd and uncomfortable since it was not in any other the other adaption.

Peter Dinklage, awesome actor, as for singing....all I could compare it to, is Pierce Brosnan in Mama Mia.

I feel a bit of a fraud seeing this, as I'm not a fan of musicals, and I wasn't aware that this was a musical, until the first number. For me, the music was poor, and actually detracted from the film.

Visually, amazing, the sets and costumes were the best element, it looked phenomenal.

Acting, very good, it is Dinklage who impressed me the most.

If you're expecting something along the lines of Les miserables, I fear you may be a little disappointed.

I'm glad I went to see it, it's not a film I'd want to watch again. 6/10.

Greetings again from the darkness. Filmmaker Joe Wright has proven how adeptly he can re-make a classic love story. You'll likely agree if you've seen his versions of ANNA KARENINA (2012) and/or PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005), which are in addition to his best film (also a love story), ATONEMENT (2007). Working from the terrific script Erica Schmidt adapted from Edmond Rostand's 1897 play, Wright delivers a musical version of Cyrano de Bergerac that delivers all of the intended "panache" of the original tragic-romance.

Peter Dinklage (THE STATION AGENT, 2003) stars as Cyrano, a master swordsman and orator who entertains with words that cut like a surgeon's scalpel ... except when he's weaponizing those words for love. Haley Bennett (SWALLOW, 2019) plays Roxanne, the secret object of Cyrano's desire, though she views him as but a close friend and confidant. Instead, her gaze is upon the newly arrived Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr), a virile and handsome man lacking the charisma and common sense required to court Roxanne. This dilemma lends itself to the melding of Cyrano's word being delivered by the preferable packaging of Christian.

Rather than Cyrano's oversized nose, the film uses Mr. Dinklage's diminutive stature and feelings of unworthiness of Roxanne's affections to create the division, and yet it's the musical aspect that takes a bit of getting used to. Dinklage excels in the film's best sequence, as early on he humiliates a poor stage actor, a rebellious act that ends in a duel ... entertaining for the play's audience as well as us as viewers. It's the connection between Cyrano and Christian that leaves us missing the good stuff. It all happens quickly and efficiently, rather than a slow transition from foes to partners. The film is at its best when Cyrano's loneliness is at the forefront ... Dinklage excels in these scenes. In fact, Wright and the actors (Dinklage and Bennett) nail the ending which packs the punch Rostand intended.

Mr. Dinklage has long been married to the film's screenwriter Erica Schmidt, and Ms. Bennett and director Wright have a daughter together. These ties may have contributed to the effectiveness of the best scenes, though we do wish Ben Mendolsohn (as De Guiche) had a bit more screen time. The three most well-known film versions are CYRANO DE BERGERAC (1950) starring Jose Ferrer, ROXANNE (1987) starring Steve Martin, and CYRANO DE BERGERAC (1990) starring Gerard Depardieu. Wright's latest version is set apart with the musical aspect, and certainly the Dinklage performance ranks amongst the best. Edmond Rostand's play was a fictionalized version of the life of Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655), but the romance, ego, and self-doubt applies to all eras.

Rostand's play is a durable one, even if it does seem implausible.... but in drawing the character of Cyrano de Bergerac, was accurate. De Bergerac was a French officer with an enormous nose, who wrote excellent poetry, dramas, and even a novel about a trip to the moon. I don't know how accurate the story of his duelling ten people in one night was, but no one ever called him a liar on it while he lived.

In casting Peter Dinklage as Cyrano -- without the nose -- director Joe Wright has expanded the character's touchy honor to all the physical slurs people undergo; that's not a bad idea. Dinklage is a problematic choice, given that someone his size would not have been enlisted in the French Army in this period. Once, however, you accept this, his expressive features reveal everything about the character. Haley Bennett as Roxanne is enchanting, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. As Christian is a kindly if slow-witted young fellow: a perfect tenor for Grand Opera.

I'm not fond of the music for the songs, which seem to be largely recitative, and only one song had first-class lyrics: "Where I Fall". Nonetheless, Wright and his cameraman, Seamus McGarvey, understand that the songs in a musical are about what's going on inside the performers' heads, and use a highly mobile camera to obliterate the space. In between those, they find a lot of beautiful scenes to shoot, looking like ancien regime paintings. It's not the best take I've seen; that would be the one with Gérard Depardieu. But this is a very good one too.

This is a romance that hits you in the head and heart- not the loins.

So many movie makers today feel the need to include graphic or seductive sex scenes which often diminishes any real romance. The writer, directors, actors, and everyone involved in this production have created something that demonstrates real love- not lust.

This story is about connection and conviction. We don't need to see the characters bumping and grinding to feel the strength of their feelings. Words are so much more powerful and lasting.

Peter Dinklage is amazing as the intelligent and sensitive Cyrano. A man who feels he does not have enough to give but really has so much more than anyone else. Cyrano loves Roxanne deeply and only wants what is best for her so he makes sacrifices for her.

Not many movies can make me tear up anymore but this one did. I saw it on a plane returning from Europe and the flight attendant asked if I was OK because I was crying. I get depressed sometimes when I see all the crap going on in the world- selfishness, inconsideration, greed- things that seem so thoughtless and evil. This film helped renew hope in me that there are still people out there who understand what is important in life.

Cudos to everyone involved in making this movie. Superb acting, beautiful vocals, excellent timing, inspired direction, moving writing, and editing that brought it all together wonderfully.

I will be disappointed if this doesn't win many awards.

Cheers, Amy.