I was 13 when Roxanne first hit theaters and already a hopeless romantic. I didn't know a thing about Cyrano de Bergerac, the French play by Edmond Rostand upon which the movie is based. I was won over by the wit, the sweetness and the idea of wooing a woman with beautiful words. And, of course, there's that great scene with the 20 insults - worth the whole film.
Charlie (Steve Martin, also the screenwriter) is the fire chief in the small town of Nelson, Washington (actually British Columbia). He falls in love with Roxanne (Daryl Hannah), an astronomer spending the summer in town. Charlie, however, has a comically enormous nose that undermines his confidence. Scared off of pursuing Roxanne himself, he aids the advances of young, dim, hunky Chris (Rick Rossovich) by writing letters and feeding him lines. The proxy plan works only too well.
It had been years since I'd watched the movie. I have seen Cyrano in the meantime so I have a better understanding from that perspective. Fred Willard and Damon Wayans both have minor roles. It's fun to see them in younger, less famous days. However, the main thing I gained from this latest viewing was a greater appreciation for the location. The BC scenery is absolutely stunning as is the architecture of the town. Martin insisted on using the town's actual fire house interior and it's quite charming.
I remember when this came out and all the hoopla around it. I was 23 and because of the hoopla i refused to see it-silly eh? I have to give this film a chance which i will do this year:)
This is my favorite Steve Martin rom-com and second favorite Cyrano adaptation. I like how he explained why the guy couldn't just get a nose job and it's a very well written movie. The French version with Gérard Depardieu is my absolute favorite and stars Gérard Depardieu. Everyone I've seen it with cries at the end (including me) so it's worth looking for.
My wife and I have watched the Depardieu one. It's one of her favorites. I was surprised, in fact, that she didn't insist on our daughter seeing that one first. No doubt there's a master plan. She's a very wise woman.
Was scrolling down the dashboard and was drawn in by the beginning of this post. I've never seen this movie, but I watched the clip you included and laughed at least three times (which is always fun.)
Oh, gosh, how I love this movie! Thanks for reminding me of it. I need to check Amazon and Netflix to see if it is available.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth revisiting!
DeleteI loved this movie and remember the beautiful location.
ReplyDeleteAnd the clever writing, such fun.
cheers, parsnip
Since seeing it the first time, I've also visited the Pacific Northwest - such a beautiful part of the world.
DeleteI love that scene with the 20 insults. Thanks for reminding me about this film. I'll have to track it down and watch it again!
ReplyDeleteMJ! I've missed you!
DeleteI hope you will rewatch it. Such fun.
Steve Martin reminds me so much of all the old slap-stick comics. I don't remember seeing this particular movie, but will have to get it to view.
ReplyDeleteHe is such an extraordinary man. Yes, he does feel like a throw back. And yet, has there ever really been another performer quite like him?
DeleteI remember when this came out and all the hoopla around it. I was 23 and because of the hoopla i refused to see it-silly eh? I have to give this film a chance which i will do this year:)
ReplyDeleteI was 13. I was a sucker for hoopla.
DeleteThis is my favorite Steve Martin rom-com and second favorite Cyrano adaptation. I like how he explained why the guy couldn't just get a nose job and it's a very well written movie. The French version with Gérard Depardieu is my absolute favorite and stars Gérard Depardieu. Everyone I've seen it with cries at the end (including me) so it's worth looking for.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have watched the Depardieu one. It's one of her favorites. I was surprised, in fact, that she didn't insist on our daughter seeing that one first. No doubt there's a master plan. She's a very wise woman.
DeleteIt's been a good while since I've seen this, but it came up recently as a movie we need to rent for the kids to see.
ReplyDeleteI should probably do that.
Our daughter enjoyed it very much.
DeleteI never watched Roxanne. I don't watch many comedy movies or romantic comedies though sometimes one catches my eye.
ReplyDeleteCyrano is a template all its own - quite different from the standard American rom com fare, I think.
DeleteThis does sound like a fun movie--i haven't seen it
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll give it a try.
DeleteWas scrolling down the dashboard and was drawn in by the beginning of this post. I've never seen this movie, but I watched the clip you included and laughed at least three times (which is always fun.)
ReplyDeleteA very nice review + thoughts.
Hi, Suze!
DeleteRoxanne's a lot of fun. I recommend pairing it with Depardieu's Cyrano.