Get ready, because "Cyrano," released in 2021 and directed by Joe Wright, is the type of movie that makes today’s Leftist Hollywood panic while attracting the discerning moviegoer with a taste for authentic art. Here’s a movie that doesn’t cater to the bland sameness that’s become all too common in blockbuster lineups. Based on the play by Edmond Rostand, the film stars Peter Dinklage, known for his captivating performances, embodying the spirit and wit of Cyrano de Bergerac, a swashbuckling poet and swordsman. It graced the screens with old-world charm, filmed against the enchanting backdrop of Italy’s scenic locales.
So, what makes "Cyrano" so strikingly different? How about a top 10 exploration of the reasons this film serves as not just entertainment but a foil against modern Hollywood's pandering?
A Story that Stands the Test of Time: Say goodbye to forced narratives and predictable plots! "Cyrano" packs a timeless story written over a century ago yet resonates deeply today. It’s about honor, courage, and unrequited love. In an age where Hollywood shuns traditional values, "Cyrano" proudly parades them on a velvet banner.
Strong Male Lead with a Heart and Sword: Hollywood has a problem with competent, strong-willed male leads unless they are the butt of the joke. "Cyrano," played by Dinklage, is anything but a caricature. He’s clever, brave, and, above all, has a moral compass that doesn't spin when challenged. The Left's agenda often advocates for the erasure of masculinity, but Cyrano gives it a proud, audacious, and unapologetic salute.
Complex Female Characters: Haley Bennett, playing Roxane, and her performance deserve accolades. She brings a depth that elevates Roxane beyond mere romantic interest. Roxane embodies intelligence and autonomy without being marred by the clichéd strong-woman archetype often overdone in today's cinema.
The Power of Words over Action: Amid the noise of CGI explosions and action sequences, "Cyrano" commands your attention with poetry and language. This is a film where dialogue is given more value than visual gimmicks. It teaches that words are weapons far mightier than brute force. Take that, Hollywood, with your over-reliance on flashy effects!
Aesthetic Over Political Agenda: Joe Wright’s "Cyrano" is a symphony of visual artistry, both in its costume design and cinematography. It doesn’t slap you around with a politically correct agenda pasted on by committee decision. Rather, it allows the audience to bask in beauty and timeless elegance—a statement in itself without need for woke proclamations.
Emotionally Resonating Music: No overproduced pop tracks here. The soundtrack, composed by the talented team of Aaron and Bryce Dessner, is powerful yet elegant. It complements the narrative with subtlety instead of overpowering it. You’ll remember these songs for how they make you feel, not because they played non-stop on Top 40 charts.
Homage to Its Theatrical Roots: Unlike many modern adaptations that abandon source material for the sake of relevance, "Cyrano" embraces its roots with a theatrical flair. The elaborate sets and rich dialogue invite comparisons to a live stage performance, making it an ode to the beauty of theater in cinematic form.
Intelligent Humor: Humor without crassness—that's a rare breed in film today. "Cyrano" delivers wit reminiscent of Shakespearean comedies, where laughter is earned through clever writing, not bathroom jokes or cheap gags. Delighting audiences who are tired of being treated as if their IQ is below sea level.
Romance without Cynicism: In a culture that often jeers at the idea of pure love, this film navigates the territory with sincerity. It celebrates love in its complexity—a feeling powerful enough to inspire courage and poetry yet tender enough to break the hardest hearts. Not every romantic tale needs a 'modern twist' to make it interesting.
A Reaffirmation of Individual Talent: In a world where ensemble casts are used to balance checkbox character variety, "Cyrano" is a shining spotlight on individual talent. Each performance, from Dinklage’s brooding yet heroic aura to Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s earnest portrayal of Christian, contributes to a film that's less about ticking diversity boxes and more about genuine character depth.
"Cyrano" is a triumph that refuses to participate in the current cultural tractor pull veering towards mediocrity. It’s a reminder that art can be both true to itself and to the audience’s intelligence. If you’re tired of cinema that talks down to you, grant "Cyrano" your full attention—it will reward you in poetic spades.