Joe Wright's "Cyrano" is an enchanting adaptation of Edmond Rostand's oft-told story, with Peter Dinklage smartly cast in the title role. (Dinklage's wife, Erica Schmidt wrote the film's screenplay as well as the musical that provides the basis for this production).
Set in the 17th century, the film has Roxanne (Haley Bennett) being courted by the Duke, De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn), but smitten with Christian (Kelvin Harrison, Jr. of "Waves") when she sets eyes on him at the theater one night where a hammy actor emotes. Enter Cyrano (Dinklage) who punctures the actor's performance with his wordsmithing and then punctures Valvert (Joshua James) who insults the diminutive Cyrano. All the while, he winks at Roxanne, whom he loves from afar. Alas, he fears she does not return his desires. When she asks him to protect Christian, Cyrano sends Roxanne letters, posing as Christian, to show her how he really feels.
