JEAN-PAUL RAPPENEAU

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

France, 1990.  Caméra One, Centre National de la Cinématographie, DD Productions, Films A2, Hachette Première, Investors Club, Sofinergie 1, Union Générale Cinématographique.  Screenplay by Jean-Claude Carriere, Jean-Paul Rappeneau, based on the play by Edmond Rostand.  Cinematography by Pierre Lhomme.  Produced by René Cleitman, Michel Seydoux, Andre Szots.  Music by Kurt Kuenne, Jean-Claude Petit.  Production Design by Ezio Frigerio, Jacques Rouxel.  Costume Design by Franca Squarciapino.  Film Editing by Noelle Boisson.  

Gerard Depardieu is a compelling Cyrano, a nobleman with a laughably big nose who falls in love with the beautiful Roxane (Anne Brochet) but instantly assumes he cannot have her because of his face. When a young soldier (Vincent Perez) confides to Cyrano that he is in love with Roxane, Cyrano coaches him in how to woo her, helping him write letters and even going with Perez to her house late at night to spout poetry while hiding in the bushes. The outcome of the story is well known to most, but the experience of it in this film is lyrical and moving. Though it could definitely be shorter, its stunning production detail and intelligent characters make for a memorable experience.

Academy Award:  Best Costume Design
Nominations:  Best Actor (Depardieu); Best Makeup; Best Art Direction-Set Decoration; Best Foreign Language Film (France)

Cannes Film Festival Award:  Best Actor (Gerard Depardieu)

European Film Award:  Best European Production Designer
Nominations: Best European Film; Best European Actor (Gerard Depardieu); Best European Actress (Anne Brochet); Best European Cinematographer; Best European Composer

Golden Globe Award:  Best Foreign Language Film (France)