Written by Daniella Garcia, Photo courtesy of SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Joe Wright’s musical drama ‘Cyrano’ is a sweet yet heartbreaking addition to his revered body of work, with pictures like Atonement, Pride and Prejudice and Anna Karenina establishing high hopes for the film. Co-written by Erica Schmidt and based on her 2018 stage musical of the same name, the film is originally an adaptation of the 1897 play ‘Cyrano de Bergerac,’ written by Edmond Rostand.
A film I believe will be an instant classic and with a universal theme that will resonate with all audiences, we are introduced to Cyrano’s leading lady Roxanne, played by Haley Bennett, hopeful for true love amidst a probing arranged marriage. We then meet the film’s namesake himself, ‘Cyrano’ played by the brilliant Peter Dinklage, a man as clever with a sword as he is poetic and articulate. Finally, the soldier that becomes the eye of Roxanne’s affection, Christian, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., is his exact opposite, but just as dumbfounded for love.
‘Cyrano’s’ unyielding pride and appearance make him believe he is undeserving of Roxanne’s affections and therefore sustains them secret. The film’s entire message can be simply put and is set from the very beginning: Tell the one you love that you love them before it’s too late.
Going in with zero expectations of the content of the film or its origin of adaptation, I was pleasantly drawn in by the magical opening number and how these three characters would be connected by its song as each performed it in their own account. Evidently solidifying that these individuals simply long for the same thing- emotional human connection, to be loved. They are tied together throughout the film in song accompanied by the most hauntingly beautiful score which, to me, was the best element of the film staying with me long after I left the theater.
The premise at times did seem a bit overstated in terms of the predictability of the film. Though, as an audience member knowing exactly where events were going to lead without a twist or turn when it came to the conflict, the film’s cinematography, costuming, score and performance, drove the story to a climactic and unexpected ending that would make this film one to remember.
Amongst all of its elements, the film was full of pain-staking moments that unquestionably impacted everyone in the theater, including Peter Dinklage’s tragic and profound performance and emotion conveyed. A moment that was unexpectedly the highlight of the film for me was towards the end. Three unknown soldiers preparing for battle sang an original song that when audiences go see this film, and trust me it will be worth it, this scene will be your breaking point. For Joe Wright’s fans in general, this film will give you all of the romance and drama a Wright film provides with a fresh perspective and mesmerizing new score you won’t forget about.
