Cyrano (2021)

In this version of the classic story, Peter Dinklage is the title wordsmith who is in love with his long-time friend Haley Bennett’s Rosalind who is in turn mutually attracted to the more conventionally handsome Kelvin Harrison Jr. Instead of the somewhat comical large nose in the original story and many adaptations, Dinklage’s own short stature is what makes him ‘unworthy’ of Rosalind’s affections, a change that speaks more to contemporary biases. I hadn’t realized this was a musical going in and I’m still unsure how I feel about it. The music and singing is really good, but it wasn’t presented organically, which is my preference in musical films. While I thought the ending went a little too far in its resolution, but Dinklage is incredible in the lead. He plays the various emotions of Cyrano to perfection from the arrogant sword fighting to devastated yearning. It makes me want to search out more of his leading films.   

Oscar Nomination: Best Achievement in Costume Design