"Cyrano"

A comparison of the plot, the ending and the performances in the films "Cyrano de Bergerac," directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau and "Roxanne," directed by Steve Martin, in order to analyze which is the more romantic film.

777 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts the films "Cyrano de Bergerac," directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau in 1990, and "Roxanne," directed by Steve Martin in 1987, with respect to the question of which was the more "romantic" film. The paper discusses the plots, the ending and the character performances in the films. It concludes that based on these three considerations, the French version is the more romantic.

From the Paper:

"Finally, one cannot compare these two films without considering the performances of their protagonists. While Steve Martin delivers a fine performance as C.D. Bales the fire fighter, Gerard Depardieu's swashbuckling Cyrano - strong, noble, and extraordinarily sensual - is brilliant. The figure of the swashbuckler has been an icon of romantic film from the time of Errol Flynn. The scene in Cyrano de Bergerac where Cyrano fends off multiple attackers reveals him as a figure appealing not only to women but to men as well: women want him, and men want to be him. In this sense, it may be argued that a great romantic hero has to appeal to both sexes; like Humphrey Bogart's Rick in Casablanca or Clark Gables' Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind."

Sample of Sources Used:

Harmetz, Aljean. "Steve Martin Revises "Cyrano"." New York Times. July 12, 1987.
Martin, Steve, dir. Roxanne. Sony Pictures, 1987.
Rappeneau, Jean-Paul, dir. Cyrano de Bergerac. MGM, 1990.