Film Review: "Cyrano" (2021).

"Experience the greatest love story ever told" with Cyrano. This musical romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright, adapted by Erica Schmidt, and based on Schmidt's 2018 stage musical of the same name and the 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. In this re-imagining of the timeless tale of a heartbreaking love triangle, a man ahead of his time, Cyrano de Bergerac dazzles, whether with ferocious wordplay at a verbal joust or with brilliant swordplay in a duel. But, convinced that his appearance renders him unworthy of the love of a devoted friend, the luminous Roxanne, Cyrano has yet to declare his feelings for her — and Roxanne has fallen in love, at first sight, with Christian.

In August 2020, it was announced that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had acquired the rights to a film adaptation of Schmidt's stage musical with Wright was hired to direct and Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett reprising their roles from the Broadway and Connecticut productions. By October, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ben Mendelsohn and Bashir Salahuddin rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and took place throughout Sicily, Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film stars Dinklage, Bennett, Harrison Jr., Mendelsohn and Salahuddin. Dinklage instantly secures his future as a romantic leading man, but every single member of the cast is giving it their all, infusing their vocals and movements with life.

The film is fun and heartfelt, finding genuine emotion even if the overall project clearly could have been cleaned up and focused. After a few years of torturous singalongs, Wright's dazzling adaptation breathes new life into a storied American tradition. In a year that is poised to be packed full of superhero tentpole movies, the film stakes out its territory early, giving audiences a fun, endearing, and poignant spectacle. The choreography is always terrific and there's that unstoppable energy which, given the film's running time, might eventually have you shouting: "Stop. Stop with the unstoppable energy! I'm over it!" But, you know, what the hell. The songs are energetic, and (usually) lighthearted, the dancing is expertly choreographed, and Wright's direction is solid and confident. While the individual musical sequences range from the exciting to the charming, the film drags in spots. Despite that it's a must for musical lovers. Most importantly Wright and his expert craftsmen delicately but boisterously balance the entire movie on a highwire between realism and surrealism where dramatic musicals can best thrive. The film reminds us of those moments with loved ones and gives us a sparkling light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. You'll leave with a smile on your face wanting to stream the soundtrack - a sure sign of a job well done. This is, of course, part of what makes great art: the capacity to withstand both devotion and critique. Which is a good thing, since I am confident that Schmidt is going to be part of our musical theatre and film landscape for many years to come.

Simon says Cyrano receives:

Also, see my review for The Woman in the Window.