A One Mann’s Movies review of “Cyrano” (2022).
Peter Dinklage perhaps never imagined that being the male lead in a film musical might be a career option! But sometimes, dreams can come true as “Cyrano” cleverly changes the rules of the game for a classic tale.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
In 17th century France, Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) secretly loves his childhood friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). But, despite his romantic and lyrical soul, he feels that a love match is impossible because of his appearance. When Roxanne falls in love with new guard recruit Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who is cute but inarticulate, Cyrano agrees to be the ‘voice’ of Christian in wooing the love of both of their lives.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jnr., Ben Mendelsohn, Monica Donlan.
Directed by: Joe Wright.
Written by: Erica Schmidt (from the play by Edmond Rostand).
“Cyrano” Review:
Positives:
- Peter Dinklage gives an extraordinary performance. True, his singing voice isn’t up to much (given this is a musical). But you can’t fail to be moved by the scene where he suddenly realises that Roxanne’s love is not directed at him. As I’m still unsighted on three out of the five nominated Best Actors it’s not a solid statement to make, but it strikes me as a bit of a crime that Dinklage was not nominated in this category.
- I was well prepared to make review this chock full of nose gags, but – sigh- they will have to be put back in the nasal cavity from which they came. There is no massive conk here to make fun of. But casting Dinklage in the role, as a different sort of “undateable” hero, is a cunning and ingenious move. And – assuming you can suspend disbelief about the swordfighting capabilities – it works really well.
- Joe Wright, who’s previously delivered classics like “Darkest Hour“, “Hanna” and “Atonement”, again beautifully and skillfully choreographs the shots. Many scenes are just beautiful to look at. And some of the shots are just plain clever: like Cyrano behind a pillar talking to Roxanne on a distant balcony, with both in perfect focus.
- The music is by Aaron and Bryce Dessner. And a few of the songs are beautiful. My favourite is a “letters from the front” song, sung by three random soldiers about to face almost certain death. Very moving indeed. But…
Negatives:
- …to really enjoy a musical, you need to be fully invested in the score. And although certain songs are teriffic, others (here using my extensive and expert knowledge of musical description) are a bit ‘growly’, flat and dull.
- For a two hour+ movie, the story is really pretty slight and if I was Erica Schmidt (who directed the stage play) I might have tightened up the existing content and added more action and conflict with the villain of the piece, De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn). Many may find the movie too slow for their liking.
- The ending reminded me far too much of the ending of “Les Miserables”… which in turn made me think how much more I liked the Les Mis score and story.
Summary Thoughts on “Cyrano”
This is a really mixed bag. As you would expect from Joe Wright, it’s an impressive and artistically beautiful film underpinned by a tremendously moving performance by Peter Dinklage. I’ve never seen the stage musical, but…
- if you loved that, then I suspect you will love this movie version.
- if (like me) the music is new to you and if (like me) that soundtrack didn’t immediately resonate with you then you may have some reservations.
I suspect that this is one where if I listen to the soundtrack a few times and it grows on me then I might really enjoy a rewatch at a later date.
Trailer for “Cyrano”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e8apSFDXsQ .
