Review of Cyrano

Cyrano (2021)
8/10
Sweet & sumptuous.
16 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Oh, this was utterly gorgeous, unashamedly adorable & an unexpected delight, from beginning to end.

I should've foreseen this project's eventual success, considering the sheer strength of the premise, reuniting visionary director Jo Wright with his most dependable cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey (who previously shot his masterpiece, "Atonement", subsequent misfire "Pan" & the striking "Anna Karenina") but irrespective of the impressiveness of their combined credentials (& inimitable styles that enhance each other's so wonderfully), I dared not dream that they would create their best film for number of years again (since his filmography is admittedly hit & miss at times), yet I'm enthralled to concede that despite my prior cynicism & preconceived doubts, "Cyrano" is a classic, sprawling, hopeful, heartfelt Shakespearian tragedy, playing out as though it were a linguistic symphony, chronicling a romance that's ultimately doomed by the barriers erected in the protagonist's own mind, which manifest themselves physically through the form of written letters & well-intentioned subterfuge - whilst equally, acting as a profoundly moving exploration in to the power of love itself; how despite the imperfections borne from insecurities or doubt, expressions of it are ultimately able to transcend those aforementioned barriers thrown in its path, if the feelings are strong enough to overcome such seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Seldom have I been left so deeply touched by a narrative that endeavours to capture the unconditional, yearning selflessness of adoration & the consequential loneliness left in its absence, but here I am - in admiration of its rare achievements. It also feels especially poignant, acknowledging in its denouement that despite the honesty often captured in poetic words, language is still most effective when spoken truthfully, delivered from the heart - in person - to the recipient.

Hence, the movie's a deeply flawed, human tale, told intimately & with passion both in front of & behind the camera - reflecting the lyrical quality of the dialogue in the filmmaking which shares that palpable love of skilfully constructed tenderness.

Furthermore, Peter Dinklage owns the role with his indomitable performance & it's genuinely beautiful to witness his talents put to phenomenal use, eloquently articulating such evocative ruminations with sincerity & authenticity, conveyed so artistically in every conceivable manner. Bravo.
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