'CYRANO' INFUSES AN OFT TOLD TALE WITH DISARMING SINCERITY AND OPERATIC PASSION
0'Cyrano' infuses an oft told tale with disarming sincerity and operatic passion
Primary Content Peter Dinklage aches with unrequited love in this musical retelling of the famous Cyrano de Bergerac story. Cyrano isn't always the most graceful retelling. but it's hard not to admire its conviction. DAVE DAVIES. HOST: This is FRESH AIR. The famous story of Cyrano de Bergerac has been adapted for the screen many times since the play was first staged in 1897. The latest film version. called 'Cyrano.' is a musical starring Peter Dinklage in the title role. It's directed by Joe Wright whose other films include 'Pride And Prejudice' and 'Atonement.' 'Cyrano' opens in theaters this week. Our film critic. Justin Chang. has this review. JUSTIN CHANG. BYLINE: A lot of great actors have played Cyrano de Bergerac over the years. including Jose Ferrer. Christopher Plummer. Gerard Depardieu. Kevin Kline and Steve Martin. if you count and why not? the 1987 modern day comedy 'Roxanne.' the latest to join their distinguished company is Peter Dinklage. and he's the rare actor not to wear a fake nose for the role. Here. it's not a big schnoz but rather Cyrano's diminutive stature that makes him think he's unworthy of Roxanne. the woman he loves. played by Haley Bennett. That's not the only major departure from Edmond Rostand's tragicomic 1897 play. This solid and sometimes enchanting movie. simply titled 'Cyrano.' was adapted by Erica Schmidt from her 2019 stage musical. with a score and songs by members of the band The National. Their sweet. somber melodies bring a decidedly modern edge to the story. which takes place sometime between the 17th and 18th centuries. While Cyrano de Bergerac usually unfolds in Paris. the movie. shot mostly in Sicily. doesn't specify an exact location. Apart from those changes. it's the same story. Cyrano. a respected soldier in the king's army. is renowned and feared for his superb swordsmanship and his scathing wit. both of which have made him powerful enemies like Count de Guiche. played by a scowling Ben Mendelsohn. Cyrano is also deeply in love with Roxanne. a longtime friend who admires his confrontational spirit and his way with words. But Roxanne has fallen for Christian. a dashing young soldier. played by a very good Kelvin Harrison Jr.. who's just joined Cyrano's regiment. Cyrano takes on the role of a go between and even goes so far as to write impossibly eloquent love letters to Roxanne. passing them off as Christian's. At the climax of this farcical romantic triangle. Roxanne stands at her bedroom window. while the hopelessly inarticulate Christian tries to woo her with some much needed prodding from Cyrano. lurking in the shadows. At a certain point. Cyrano takes over. and he gives full voice to his passionate feelings in this lovely duet between him and a still unsuspecting Roxanne. (SOUNDBITE OF FILM. 'CYRANO') HALEY BENNETT: (As Roxanne. singing) Your letters to me are like music. PETER DINKLAGE: (As Cyrano de Bergerac. singing) They're just a mask in a lonely coward's game. BENNETT: (As Roxanne. singing) What is it you're so afraid of losing? DINKLAGE: (As Cyrano de Bergerac. singing) I might lose everything if I lose the pain. HALEY BENNETT AND PETER DINKLAGE: (As Roxanne and Cyrano de Bergerac. singing) 'Cause every time I see you I am overcome. It'd make you laugh to think someone like me could keep someone like you. Look what I've become. CHANG: Fun fact. Peter Dinklage and screenwriter Erica Schmidt are a couple. as are Haley Bennett and the film's director. Joe Wright. Think of it as a romantic behind the scenes footnote to a movie that's unabashedly romantic in spirit. Wright's filmmaking has a pleasing. old fashioned. sumptuousness. courtesy of production designer Sarah Greenwood and costume designers Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran. who are Oscar nominated for their dazzling work here. And as always. Wright controls the camera with fluid grace. letting us see the actors and dancers moving through space with none of...
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