The story of Cyrano De Bergerac, a man of immense talents in poetry, music, and swordsmanship, has been told in many different formats over the last 100 years. Originally written by Edmond Rostand as a loose interpretation of Cyrano’s actual life, his tale can be used to evoke so many emotional pulls for people from all walks of life. Adapted by Erica Schmidt and directed by Joe Wright, this musical romantic drama paints a new picture of the renowned Cyrano De Bergerac.

Peter Dinklage, known for his award-winning role of the crafty Tyrion Lannister, has taken over the mantle of the brilliant yet troubled Cyrano. Starring opposite Peter Dinklage was the ever charismatic and quick-witted Haley Bennett as Roxanne, a headstrong individual with an infectious smile that could literally drive a man to war to fight for her. Together, the pair were able to elicit an unrelenting cascade of passion and intensity that they were able to carry throughout despite a few shortcomings.

Set in France during the 1600s, a wonderfully dressed period piece was able to capture a city on the brink of war with the people longing for love and acceptance. Cyrano was a well-established guard with a tongue as sharp as his sword and a dapper attire to boot. Quite the feat for someone whose stature would bring great hardship during an unforgiving time in history. As a man half the size of his peers, he was able to dominate the room with his presence and dismantle an opposing figure whether by the sword or the mightier instrument, the pen. Ah, but what is so fun about a hero with no weakness? What happens when your greatest weakness is yourself?

Roxanne, an orphan was has risen to the heights of desire by even the most stubborn of noblemen. As she wished for more than security, a lover to hold, a young man named Christian became the apple of her eye. Kelvin Harrison Jr steps up to play to the love-stricken recruit for the guard with an admirable performance. Through a bout of egotistical bravado, Cyrano makes a foul enemy in the pompous Nobleman De Guiche, who will stop at nothing to marry the desirable Roxanne.

With so many directions to be pulled, the catalyst is put in motion when Roxanne’s confession to Cyrano about her sudden love for the stranger Christian almost results in his undying confession of love for Roxanne.

The film, now with multiple avenues of feelings of love to portray, fluctuates between an elegant play of words with rhythmicity in delivery as spoken word poetry to intricately choreographed musical numbers. While memorable, the best parts of the film were present when they committed to one style, as opposed to the somewhat fragmented transitions. There were times when the traditional film design began to ramp up the spoken word poetry while simultaneously injecting a singing soliloquy, which didn’t always deliver a cohesive experience.

I felt that the film could have benefited from a longer run time or a revised allotment of screen time for certain characters, to better convey the transitions from one story beat to the next. Roxanne, who Cyrano knew growing up, is the only person that can challenge his wit, but he was never able to allow himself to open up to her for fear of rejection. It was only when he used Christian as his vessel to deliver all of his pent-up feelings through ghost-written letters, that the flaws of both men shone the brightest.

As Roxanna began to fall madly in love with the words of the letters, Christian was unapologetic in accepting the ill-won love and Cyrano continued to lead her down a path with no happy ending in sight. A brilliant premise that gave Peter Dinklage ample opportunities to display his entire range as an actor, was ultimately short-lived as the story jumped rather quickly through the events.

The adaptation to highlight the struggles of all three corners of the love triangle was a subtle way to bring the older story into a more modern interpretation. With standout songs such as ‘Someone to Say’ and ‘Every Letter’ that will highlight the best triumphs of the film, Cyrano will deliver on its promise for a musical, romantic drama with emotional investments a plenty.

Written by: Shane Fletcher