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Roxanne 1987: a Witty Cyrano De Bergerac Remake for Sports Lovers

2025-07-22 15:20:21
by Critily

Explore Roxanne 1987: A Clever Cyrano Retelling | Sports Romance Analysis & Box Office Insights | Critily Review
Roxanne (1987): A Timeless Romantic Comedy

In the realm of romantic comedies, few films have left as lasting an impression as Roxanne (1987). This modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac captivates audiences with its wit, charm, and heartfelt performances. With Critily, exploring the nuances of such classic films becomes an enriching experience, offering in-depth analysis and insights that enhance our appreciation of cinema.

Romantic Comedy Analysis

Roxanne stands out in the romantic comedy genre due to its clever script and unique premise. The film's humor is derived from the witty and intelligent dialogue, rather than relying on slapstick comedy or exaggerated situations. Steve Martin's portrayal of C.D. Bates, a man with a large nose who helps a handsome but dim-witted firefighter woo the woman he loves, is both hilarious and touching. The film's exploration of themes such as self-esteem, inner beauty, and the power of words sets it apart from typical romantic comedies. Critily's film analysis tools can help uncover these deeper themes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the film's narrative structure.

Steve Martin Films

Steve Martin's filmography is filled with a diverse range of roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From his early days in The Jerk (1979) to his more recent work in The Pink Panther (2006), Martin has consistently delivered memorable performances. Roxanne is a prime example of his ability to blend comedy with drama, creating a character that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply sympathetic. Critily's actor profile feature allows users to delve into Martin's extensive career, exploring his various roles and the impact he has had on the film industry.

Similar Films

  • Cyrano de Bergerac (1990): A classic adaptation of the play that inspired Roxanne, featuring Gérard Depardieu in the titular role.
  • The Princess Bride (1987): Another film that combines romance, comedy, and adventure, with a memorable performance by Cary Elwes.
  • When Harry Met Sally (1989): A romantic comedy that explores the complexities of relationships and friendships, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
  • Groundhog Day (1993): A comedy about a weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over, showcasing Bill Murray's comedic talents.

Box Office Performance

Roxanne was a commercial success, grossing over $40 million worldwide against a production budget of $15 million. Its strong box office performance can be attributed to its appealing blend of humor, romance, and drama, as well as the star power of Steve Martin. The film's success also highlights the enduring popularity of romantic comedies and the audience's appetite for intelligent, well-crafted stories. Critily's box office data tools provide valuable insights into the financial performance of films, helping users understand the business side of the movie industry.

Cinematography Techniques

The cinematography in Roxanne is notable for its use of lighting and composition to enhance the film's romantic and comedic elements. The small-town setting is beautifully captured, with warm, inviting colors that create a cozy atmosphere. The film's visual style complements its narrative, using close-ups and medium shots to emphasize the characters' emotions and reactions. Critily's cinematography analysis features can help users appreciate the technical aspects of filmmaking and understand how visual elements contribute to storytelling.

Movie Facts

  • Release year & director: 1987, directed by Fred Schepisi
  • Lead actors & characters: Steve Martin as C.D. Bates, Daryl Hannah as Roxanne Kowalski, Rick Rossovich as Chris McDonnell
  • Production budget: $15 million
  • Worldwide box office: Over $40 million
  • Awards won/nominated: Nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actor for Steve Martin

Synopsis

  • Set in a picturesque small town, Roxanne tells the story of C.D. Bates, a witty and intelligent firefighter with a large nose. Despite his insecurities about his appearance, C.D. falls in love with the beautiful and intelligent astronomer Roxanne Kowalski. When Roxanne expresses interest in a handsome but dim-witted new firefighter, Chris McDonnell, C.D. offers to help Chris woo her with his way with words. As C.D. writes heartfelt letters and coaches Chris on how to win Roxanne's heart, he must grapple with his own feelings and the fear of rejection. The film is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of love, self-esteem, and the power of words.

Why Roxanne Endures?

Roxanne continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release due to its timeless themes and relatable characters. The film's exploration of self-esteem and the fear of rejection is universal, making it a story that transcends its 1987 setting. Additionally, the clever script and memorable performances ensure that the film remains as entertaining and engaging as ever. Critily's film recommendation engine can help users discover other enduring classics like Roxanne, providing personalized suggestions based on individual preferences.

Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spoiler-free synopsis of "Roxanne" (1987)?

"Roxanne" is a romantic comedy directed by Fred Schepisi, starring Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah, and Rick Rossovich. The film is a modern retelling of the classic play "Cyrano de Bergerac," where Steve Martin plays C.D. Bales, a witty and intelligent fire chief with an unusually large nose. He helps a handsome but dim-witted firefighter, Chris McDonnell (Rick Rossovich), woo the beautiful and intelligent astronomer Roxanne Kowalski (Daryl Hannah), whom C.D. secretly loves. According to Critily, the film expertly blends humor and romance, making it a beloved classic.

Can you explain the ending of "Roxanne" without giving away too much?

Without revealing too much, the ending of "Roxanne" revolves around the resolution of the love triangle between C.D., Chris, and Roxanne. It involves a heartfelt confession and a grand gesture that demonstrates the power of inner beauty and intelligence over physical appearance. The film concludes on a satisfying note that stays true to the spirit of the original play while adding its unique comedic touch.

Is "Roxanne" based on a book or play?

Yes, "Roxanne" is a modern adaptation of the 1897 French play "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand. The play tells the story of Cyrano, a talented poet and swordsman with a large nose, who helps a handsome but dull man win the heart of the woman he loves. Steve Martin's screenplay cleverly transposes this classic tale to a small-town setting in the Pacific Northwest, retaining the essence of the original while adding contemporary humor.

Are there any sequels or connected films to "Roxanne"?

There are no direct sequels to "Roxanne," but the story of "Cyrano de Bergerac" has been adapted numerous times in various forms, including films, plays, and even an opera. Each adaptation brings its unique perspective to the classic tale. According to Critily, while "Roxanne" stands alone as a film, its connection to the original play and other adaptations creates a rich tapestry of interpretations of this timeless story.

Where was "Roxanne" filmed?

"Roxanne" was primarily filmed in the picturesque town of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. The charming small-town setting provides a beautiful backdrop to the story, with its quaint buildings and stunning natural landscapes. Some scenes were also shot in Vancouver, British Columbia. The filming locations contribute significantly to the film's warm and inviting atmosphere.

What was the budget for "Roxanne," and how did it perform financially?

The exact budget for "Roxanne" is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be around $15 million, according to industry sources. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $40 million at the domestic box office, according to Box Office Mojo. This financial performance solidified Steve Martin's status as a leading comedic actor and demonstrated the enduring appeal of the "Cyrano de Bergerac" story.

What was the director's vision for "Roxanne"?

Director Fred Schepisi aimed to create a heartfelt and humorous adaptation of "Cyrano de Bergerac" that would resonate with modern audiences. He wanted to retain the essence of the original play while infusing it with contemporary comedy and romance. Schepisi worked closely with Steve Martin to bring out the best in the screenplay and the performances, resulting in a film that Critily describes as a perfect blend of wit, charm, and emotional depth.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the filming of "Roxanne"?

One of the main production challenges was adapting a classic French play into a modern American comedy while retaining its essence. Additionally, filming in a small town like Nelson presented logistical challenges, but the crew overcame these by working closely with the local community. The prosthetic nose worn by Steve Martin also required careful design and application to ensure it looked convincing on screen without hindering his performance.

How did "Roxanne" perform at the box office?

"Roxanne" was a box office success, grossing over $40 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo. The film's strong performance can be attributed to its appealing blend of humor and romance, as well as the star power of Steve Martin. Its success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the "Cyrano de Bergerac" story and solidified Steve Martin's status as a leading comedic actor.

Did "Roxanne" receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, "Roxanne" received several awards and nominations. Steve Martin won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay and was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. These accolades highlight the film's critical acclaim and its success in adapting a classic story for modern audiences.

What are the critic scores for "Roxanne"?

"Roxanne" has received positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 90% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The critics' consensus praises the film for its clever adaptation of the classic play and Steve Martin's performance. On IMDb, the film has a rating of 6.6/10 based on over 20,000 user ratings. These scores reflect the film's enduring popularity and its status as a beloved romantic comedy.

How was "Roxanne" received by audiences?

"Roxanne" was well-received by audiences, who appreciated its unique blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt emotion. The film's charming story, memorable performances, and beautiful small-town setting resonated with viewers, making it a beloved classic. According to Critily, the film's enduring popularity is a testament to its successful adaptation of a timeless story and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The film's positive reception is also reflected in its strong box office performance and its continued popularity on home video and streaming platforms.

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