Table of Contents
Photo: ‘Cyrano’
The story of Cyrano de Bergerac plays such a prominent role in popular culture that “playing Cyrano” or “Cyranoing someone” have become their own terms to describe the troupe. The story of Cyrano has been around for centuries, beginning with the 1879 play ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’, a fictionalized telling of the life of the writer and duelist of the same name. Through various adaptations of plays, musicals, and films, Cyrano became an iconic character, representative of all those who lend their words to someone else.
The newest adaptation, starring Peter Dinklage, retells the story with a perspective we’ve never seen before. Traditionally, the feature that made Cyrano feel unlovable was a large, unsightly nose. Dinklage has achondroplasia, resulting in dwarfism, which filled the role of Cyrano’s insecurity. This fresh take added a layer of depth to the character and the story, which, when paired with Joe Wright’s directing, created a beautiful film.
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – EXCLUSIVE: ‘Dune’ Full Commentary, Reactions, Making Of – Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘House of Gucci’ Full Commentary & Behind the Scenes – Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘Belfast’ Full Commentary & BTS – Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘West Side Story’ Full Commentary – Rita Moreno, Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zegler
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘No Time to Die’ Full Commentary, Behind the Scenes & Reactions, Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Bond
While all versions of ‘Cyrano’ are ultimately based on the 1879 play, this particular adaptation comes directly from the Off-Broadway stage. Erica Schmidt, writer and theater director, as well as Dinklage’s wife, adapted Cyrano into a stage musical that debuted in 2019. This version starred Dinklage and featured music from the band The National. This stage adaptation, including the musical’s score, was the source material for ‘Cyrano’.
In order to be considered for this year’s Academy Awards, ‘Cyrano’ was released for a limited run in Los Angeles in December 2021. The film was set to release globally in January 2022, but the release was delayed due to the Omicron variant. When nominations were released, ‘Cyrano’ only received one Oscars nod, nominated for best costume design.
Related article: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase: “The Importance of Venice Film Festival as the Protector of Cinema”
Related article: The Masters of Cinema Archives: The Hollywood Insider Pays Tribute to ‘La Vie En Rose’, Exclusive Interview with Director Olivier Dahan
Related article: – Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
Joe Wright is known for his romances. His directorial career began in 2005 with the iconic adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. His films ‘Anna Karenina’ and ‘Atonement’ are another historical literary adaptation and historical war drama, respectively. ‘Cyrano’ fits into his body of work perfectly. Wright has been praised for the light and beauty he brings to his films, especially his period pieces. He often includes wide, lively, continuous Steadicam shots. These allow the audience to see the characters and the way they interact with their environment and, most importantly, with each other.
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Henry Cavill Role From 2001 to 2021, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Chris Evans Role From 1997 to 2020, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Wright’s directing in ‘Cyrano’ is what makes the film so romantic. While the couple we’re rooting for cannot be together, we’re constantly surrounded by romance through the visuals of the film. Wright includes many wide shots that show crowds of people moving in perfect harmony, dresses flowing and the sun shining on smiling faces. We see love confessions from balconies and letters flowing through the air. The love story is complicated but the role of love in the film is anything but. Romance seeps into each and every moment of the film.
Any romantic can see themself in ‘Cyrano’. Whether you relate to Cyrano himself, a hopeless romantic with a passion for poetry, or in his love, Roxanne (Haley Bennett), a dreamer prone to falling in love at first sight. You could see yourself in Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), unable to find the words to match the emotions you feel. Love is universal, experienced by everyone in their own unique ways. ‘Cyrano’ understands that not all people will relate to a specific love story so it offers a variety. Each character is given the attention they deserve as they fall in love in a way that is natural to them.
Related article: MUST WATCH – The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s Love Letter to Black Lives Matter – VIDEO
Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
Related article: #metoo Revolution: Powerful Questions That Need Answers
Related article: FACT-CHECKED Series: Timothee Chalamet and 32 Facts about The Young Superstar
‘Cyrano’ also made changes to the character Cyrano himself, which made his story relatable to a wider audience. In the Off-Broadway production of the musical, there was no mention made of Dinklage’s height. In fact, his understudy was six-feet tall. Dinklage’s Cyrano did not wear a prosthetic nose or otherwise make himself appear unlovable. There was no direct explanation for why Cyrano believed Roxanne could not love him. This carried into the film, with minimal mentions being made of his stature. Cyrano did not need to be insecure about his nose, his height, or any other specific feature. It was enough that he just lacked the confidence to believe he deserved Roxanne’s love. As an audience, we can relate more to Cyrano when he is not held back by a single trait. Confidence and self-image are complex matters that cannot be packaged into a single feature or explanation, and ‘Cyrano’ understands that.
I am a big fan of musicals, I am never one to put down a musical adaptation. However, in this case, I believe that ‘Cyrano’ would be much stronger without the music. Based on the trailer I saw, I did not realize that ‘Cyrano’ was a musical, and it feels like the film did not realize either. It didn’t feel natural when the characters broke into song, but rather it felt like an interruption of otherwise strong scenes. The music wasn’t memorable and didn’t work to advance the plot, and a musical needs at least one of those traits in order to work.
Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to The Hollywood Insider
That being said, the choreography in the film was beautiful. A large ensemble of dancers in period-appropriate dresses and dance made for gorgeous visuals during the weak songs. The weak music was not at the fault of the actors, each of which excelled in their roles, musically and otherwise. It’s just a matter of the music not being needed in the film.
I would recommend adding ‘Cyrano’ to your watchlist. Peter Dinklage gives such a strong performance that the film would be worth watching even if it had no other redeeming qualities. Dinklage proved to us that he can do anything, and can excel in any role Hollywood puts him in. His performance is honest and heartbreaking, he plays each emotion with such care. The rest of the cast played their roles brilliantly, telling the iconic story of Cyrano de Bergerac in a beautiful way.
Cast and Crew:
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr
Director: Joe Wright
Writers: Erica Schmidt, Edmond Rostand (play)
By Lara Glennon
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV. media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More
cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano, cyrano
Lara Glennon is an aspiring screenwriter looking to share her love and passion for all things film and television. She aims to use her writing to shine a light on artists who are working to make change, both in media and in the world. The Hollywood Insider’s focus on substance over gossip is perfect for Lara, as she wants to highlight the good in the world and those who create it. She enjoys spending her time creating and consuming art, searching for unique voices and ideas in media.
'Star Wars' - Breaking down the challenges of continuing one of the most popular film…
This new Netflix release 'Chamkila' shows audiences the power of music.
Breaking down the star Zendaya's rapidly growing career.
The Girl in Red singer’s new album is expected to be a hit, after her…
After producing this passion project, Sweeney’s religious horror 'Immaculate' stands out amongst the crowd.
Netflix's latest fantasy film 'Damsel' is filled with betrayal, high stakes and a fire-breathing dragon.
This website uses cookies.