Movie Review: Cyrano (2021)

Cyrano (2021) directed by Joe Wright

Based on a musical stage adaptation from 2018, this version changes Cyrano de Bergerac's flaw from the ridiculously long nose to the small stature of Peter Dinklage. Cyrano has grown up as childhood friends with Roxanne (Haley Bennet), a beautiful but nearly destitute society woman. She is pursued by de Guiche (Ben Mendelson), a noble who just wants her for her beauty, not as a person. He takes her to the theater where she falls in love at first sight with Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a new recruit who is joining Cyrano's guard unit. The country (presumably France?) is at war. Cyrano is also at war with the world around him. For instance, he disrupts the play because he despises the star actor. He drives the actor off with wit and the threat of swordplay. Cyrano admits his love for Roxanne to a friend who advises him to let her know. When the time comes, she first tells him of her love for Christian, so he can't say anything. Christian begs Cyrano to help him woo Roxanne. Cyrano reluctantly agrees, leading to plenty of romantic complications.

The change of Cyrano's flaw works well for the story. It's credible that he thinks he doesn't have a chance with Roxanne. Dinklage gives a really great performance, very heart-felt and emotional. The rest of the cast is just okay. The musical numbers are serviceable but not very memorable. The choreography was very bland and the main characters barely dance. Given the fantastic sets (the movie was filmed on Sicily at old medieval fortifications and cities), I imagined there would be something more splendid or surprising in the film. It follows the Cyrano story faithful but does not add enough to make it satisfying.

Not recommended.