Roxanne (1987) User Reviews (112)

Steve Martin's Most Enduring

[Dr.Teeth · 8/10 · 25 November 2002]

Roxanne is probably going to go down as the pinnacle of Steve Martin's career as both an actor and a writer. Granted, he's made better movies (L.A. Story, The Man With Two Brains), but this is the one movie that seems to have grabbed the public's attention and keeps bringing them back. And that's because it's deceptively simple, the story of the underdog falling for the girl who has it all. It's peripherally based on Cyrano de Bergerac, but most people haven't read it (or even seen a movie adaptation), so much of the intricacies will be lost. But everyone can identify with the main character, C.D. Bales, and the story of his doomed love.

The movie is a romantic comedy, but that's too simplistic. It's full of incredible situational and verbal humor. Whether he's playing a slapstick routine trying to leave Roxanne's apartment or trying to think up the (more than) twenty insults that would be better than `Big Nose,' Martin's pen rarely falters. He can do drama, as evidenced by the scene on the roof with the overweight kid. And he writes compelling poetry: when C.D. speaks from his heart under Roxanne's window it threatens to turn hokey at any moment, but never does. The power of the movie is in the screenplay, and Martin's written a doozy.

Of course, it also doesn't hurt that C.D. is such a sympathetic character. Actually, sympathetic is probably the wrong word. He's such a strong and dynamic character that every man would want to be him and every woman would want to have him…if it weren't for that stupid nose of his. Think about it: he's athletic, charming, well-read, witty, and handsome. And that's what makes it even worse for the viewer: knowing all these wonderful things are stuck inside this man and people can't see past his nose, pun not intended. Martin totally inhabits C.D. Bales: he knows him so well that it's second nature. He looks like he's having a blast with it, too, which helps the audience quite a bit.

It's not all Steve Martin, though (although it seems like it at times). The supporting cast does well with their roles and goes far beyond what I would have thought possible. Example: Daryl Hannah, an actress with a hit-and-miss record that's mostly miss, is surprisingly convincing as an astronomy student who knows about sub-nuclear particles and comet trajectories. Or Michael J. Pollard, who takes a role that's pretty much a series of one-liners and makes me remember him above all the other firefighters by the pure glee that he takes with every line.

It's certainly not perfect, nor is it Martin's best offering, but that's beside the point. The point is that it's the kind of movie people really enjoy but can't put their finger on just why. Well, the movie is smart, and that's why people find it refreshing. It's not simply a cookie-cutter romance with the typical leading man and the regular lines: it's got a heart and humanity that most romantic comedies disregard as unnecessary. 8/10

Funny, romantic, beautiful... who would have thought?

[cody-17 · 8/10 · 13 May 1999]

Steve Martin's genius as a comic actor has never been in doubt. But once in a while even a genius does something astounding. For Martin it is "Roxanne". Possibly THE funniest movie that I have ever seen, not to mention passionately romantic, it also does something that so few movies are able to do today... it stays intelligent despite the humor. In today's Hollywood so many comedies fall into the trap of deplorable slapstick and gratuitous cussing, "Roxanne" succeeds in entertaining us through colorful characters, enchanting surprises, and witty intelligent dialogue. Where have movies like this gone to? Where were they to begin with? A rare jewel in the sands of Hollywood, see this movie like your life depends on it (tip to the wise: take a date). Pay special attention to the character of Andy, he is a special treat throughout the film. Also look for a VERY young Damon Wayans. The treats abound.

Steve Martin's representation of Cyrano de Bergerac

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 7/10 · 12 October 2006]

I have to admit that this was a nice and sweet version of Martin's interpretation of Cyrano de Bergerac. It was nice to see a little comedy into the story. I know of the story, but have seen none of the movies. So, this is pretty much as close as I will get to the story even though my mom has the old version of Cyrano de Bergerac, it doesn't look that entertaining.

Steve plays Charlie, a kind and funny fireman with one little... well... actually huge thing on his face, a very long and big nose. But he ends up meeting Roxanne, a very beautiful woman who is a rocket scientist and just wants be romanced, she meets another man, Chris, very handsome, but doesn't exactly have a way with words. Charlie has a huge crush on Roxanne, but she's attracted to Chris, Chris also has a thing for Roxanne, so through the hardest times, Chralie helps Chris try to woe Roxanne with his words going through Chris's mouth.

It's a very sweet and romantic movie with some good little laughs here and there. I think this is an under rated Steve Martin movie that I think everyone could give a chance too. Because, let's face it, we all have that little imperfection that can always be seen as unique and beautiful in the eyes of other's.

7/10

...or did you lose a bet with God?

[annmason1 · 28 January 2001]

Mozart would have loved Roxanne. This perfect film rests on some of his greatest hits...as choreographed and performed by Steve Martin. There is nothing "Roxanne" lacks, from aliens dropping out of trees to "make love to older women", to a water ballet courtesy the local fire department.

The characters are beautiful: the brilliant misfit; the gorgeous "astrologer or astronomer, or something"; the bronzeable but- alas, dumb- hunk...all gather on the mountainside for our pleasure. Toss in a big rubber nose, a couple of the greatest lines from literature, stir with that Mozart stuff, and poof...a great valentine evening.

For once you don't get to see the pretty couple with the perfect relationship.

[philip_vanderveken · 7/10 · 8 August 2005]

I never thought that Steve Martin would ever play a leading role in a romantic comedy, because his humor doesn't exactly fit in with the humor normally used in the genre. But when I had the chance to see this movie, I didn't hesitate. I like several of Steve Martin's movies and most of the time I have some good laughs with his comedies. Hoping that this movie wouldn't be an exception to that rule, I hoped for the best of it and I must say that it didn't disappoint me.

"Roxanne" is a modern remake of Cyrano De Bergerac and it shows. C.D. (Charlie) Bales is a fire chief in a small mountain town who has been 'blessed' with a gigantic nose that keeps drawing all attention towards it. When he meets Roxanne for the first time he immediately falls for her. She's an astronomer who is not only smart, but also beautiful, just what Charlie is looking for in a woman. But he is convinced that she will not like him because of his looks and when he hires Chris, a new fire-fighter who is good-looking, but who is very shallow and doesn't know how to react when it comes to women, the for Charlie worst thing imaginable happens. Chris has seen Roxanne in a bar and is interested in her, but because he's so bad with words, he asks his boss to help him win her for him. Charlie helps him with his problem, easily finding the right words because of what he feels for Roxanne himself and Roxanne falls in love with Chris. But only a couple of weeks later Chis runs off with one of her friends, a waitress who is 'pretty cute too' and she finds out the truth about C.D. and Chris...

I never expected it, but I really liked this movie. This isn't the typical romantic comedy that you probably have seen so many times before. The main reason for that is that it is a rather typical Steve Martin movie and therefor has an entirely different kind of humor. And I liked it. Especially the scene in the bar where he has to name 20 good insults about his nose is excellent. But that certainly isn't the only good scene in this movie. The entire movie is better than average. And despite the fact that I didn't think that Steve Martin would be able to play an important role in a romantic comedy, I must admit that he did a very good job with this role. C.D. is perhaps not the best looking guy, but he has portrayed him as a very likable person. Daryl Hannah too did a nice job playing Roxanne and Rick Rossovich was interesting as the incredibly shallow Chris.

Overall this is an interesting and funny movie that is a lot better than the average romantic comedy, thanks to the original approach of the story. For once we don't get to see a couple of perfect people, but a guy who normally isn't able to get a pretty girlfriend because of his looks. I really appreciated that in this movie and I give it a 7/10 for that.

Heart x Appearance

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 28 September 2015]

In Nelson, the chief of the firemen C. D. Bales (Steve Martin) is a man with complex since he has a huge nose. When his friend Dixie (Shelley Duvall) rents her house to the gorgeous student of astronomy Roxanne (Daryl Hannah), he falls in love with her but keeps his feelings as a secret. C.D. hires the handsome fireman Chris (Rick Rossovich) and Roxanne asks C.D. to help her to date him. However Chris is an average American with very limited culture and he asks C.D. to help him to get in her pants. C.D. writes letters disclosing his feelings for her and Roxanne is seduced by the man that writes such letters. What will happen when she meets Chris?

"Roxanne" is a totally different version of "Cyrano De Bergerac" by Edmond Rostands. There are many versions of this romantic play in the cinema history, but none of them with a modernization of the story. The beauty of Daryl Hannah is impressive and her chemistry with the large nosed Steve Martin is fantastic. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Roxanne"

Martin is Superb!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 8 February 2012]

A modern retelling of the 1897 verse play Cyrano de Bergerac, 'Roxanne' is a heart-warming & light-hearted Romantic-Comedy, that brings a smile to your face. The Legendary Steve Martin, in the lead role, delivers a Superb Performance!

'Roxanne' Synopsis: Based on the play "Cyrano de Bergerac", large nosed C.D. Bales falls for the beautiful Roxanne while she falls for his personality but another man's looks.

'Roxanne' is a heart-warming film. It has some genuinely wonderful moments. The Screenplay Written by Martin himself, is very lively & light-hearted. Fred Schepisi's Direction is good. Cinematography by Ian Baker captures the stunning locales wonderfully. Editing is decent. Art Design is fair.

Performance-Wise: Martin plays the large nosed Hero, with superb ease. It's truly a pleasure to watch the legend perform with such flourish. Daryl Hannah as Roxanne, is likable. Shelley Duvall is fantastic, as always. Rick Rossovich is adequate. Others lend support.

On the whole, 'Roxanne' is a winner.

a romantic comedy with genuine charm

[mjneu59 · 7/10 · 31 December 2010]

The idea Steve Martin updating the story of Cyrano de Bergerac may seem a little like stretching a round hole to accept a square peg, but the result was actually one of the brighter romantic comedies of recent summers, thanks in large part to the ideal balance of talents between Martin's typically absurd sense of humor and some level-headed direction by veteran Fred Schepisi. Martin himself stars as C.D., a plucky and resourceful small town fire chief whose charm is surpassed only by the length of his nose. He loves the fair Roxanne (a young astronomer) from afar, while she only has eyes for the tall, dark and hopeless hunk from Martin's inept fire department. C.D. is soon persuaded to write his rival's love letters, into which he pours all his own frustrated romantic longings, and the subsequent complications give Martin a chance to display the keen timing and playful sense of humor too often lacking in his other films. Even more surprising is producer Martin's generosity as a writer: some of his best lines are given to the supporting players. It isn't art, but the film has enough sunny humor and bittersweet irony to make it more than just another routine romantic distraction.

Extremely effective updating of a timeless story

[Steve G-2 · 9/10 · 5 August 1999]

I do not routinely enjoy Steve Martin, but was extremely impressed with the sensitivity and deftness with which he played Cyrano de Bergerac in modern guise. There is nothing archaic or stilted about the script, yet it is surprisingly faithful to the character of the original play (which in turn is closely based on Cyrano's true history). Numerous scenes - including most of the best ones - are lifted almost intact from the Edmond Rostand play, but a viewer who is unfamiliar with that source probably will have no idea which scenes they are. The poetry, imaginative spark and romantic instincts of the original play are handled lovingly and with finesse. Daryl Hannah is just right as a thoroughly modern Roxanne, willingly surprised to find that there is still romance in the world. You do not have to be familiar with the source to enjoy this witty, satisfying, and very funny movie - but if you are, you will enjoy it all the more.

Note added 2015: When I first wrote the above in 1999, Steve Martin had not yet done most of his (in my view) best work; but I still go back to this as my very favorite of his performances.

The Ladder Is Up !

[ShootingShark · 7/10 · 23 August 2010]

CD Bales is the Fire Chief in a sleepy little town, who is lovestruck when the beautiful and intelligent Roxanne rents a house for the summer. Unfortunately, CD has a problem; his nose is kinda large, and most folks have a hard time seeing past - or indeed over - it.

This is a charming, romantic, playful modern-day variation of Edmond Rostand's 1897 play Cyrano De Bergerac - the old story about the witty but ugly guy whose poetry romances a woman's heart into the arms of another man. CD shares his initials with his literary antecedent but there are other amusing nods to the original, such as a scrap with tennis rackets and ski poles replacing a swordfight. The whole tone of the film is sweet, light-hearted and gently optimistic, punctuated by Martin's funny schtick (I love his reaction to the newspaper, which is pretty much the same as mine usually is) and all the performances are lovely. When CD, hidden by the bushes, is finally able to say how he feels about Roxanne, it's a great little moment, a touching paeon to amour fou. Even the town itself (it was shot in Nelson, British Columbia) is picture perfect, a little Norman Rockwell slice of picket fence heaven, oddball stores and gentle summer evenings. Of course, being a love story it's pretty corny in places, and it has some flaws, not least of which is the schmaltzy saxophone score, but it keeps coming up with funny and original scenes, like the barroom challenge where CD insults himself as creatively as possible (I particularly like, "Your nose was on time, but you were fifteen minutes late !") or all the goofball antics of the firemen. Australian Schepisi is an interesting filmmaker, who has made some good alternative movies (The Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith, Six Degrees Of Separation), and he and screenwriter Martin collaborate well here to capture the mood of the piece and the pathos of the story. As love stories go, this is one of the better ones and would make for an entertaining double bill with the 1990 Jean-Paul Rappeneau / Gérard Depardieu straight version of the story.

One of Steve Martin's truest performances

[DavidSim240183 · 10/10 · 18 December 2007]

Considering the slump Steve Martin's career has been in, you sometimes have to revisit his earlier efforts to remind yourself of what a fine comedian he can be. As well as fine actor.

I don't always like Steve Martin in everything. His manic energy can be perfectly employed when given the proper material to work from. But sometimes his antics do feel ever so over the top you wish you had a muzzle for the man. His best performances tend to be the ones he personally identifies with. He was wonderful in Planes, Trains & Automobiles and LA Story. And he's just as wonderful in Roxanne.

In a script written by Martin, and adapted from Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac, Martin plays C.D. Bales, the fire chief of picture postcard smalltown USA.

C.D. is an affable chap. He's got a refreshing wit, sharp insights and a poetic use of the English language. He's quite a popular figure in town, but there's one thing about himself he really dislikes. He has an enormous nose.

Its so big he often looks like Pinocchio after telling a few white lies. C.D. has learnt to live with his nose (not that he has much choice!). He can even make jokes about it. But he's never learnt to like it.

When pretty astronomer Roxanne Kowalski (Daryl Hannah) moves into town, she captures his heart right from the start. And while Roxanne can see past the nose on his face, she can't see into C.D's soul, even if its plain as the...well you know the rest!

Roxanne is a film of simple pleasures. And there are many. But thanks to Steve Martin's wonderfully embodied performance, the film really shines. I've never actually seen Cyrano de Bergerac, but Martin quite excels in the role he's rewritten for himself.

As much as Martin's skills as a comic performer are praised, he does tend to get overlooked when it comes to his writing ability. He composed a quite lyrical ode to the city of Los Angeles in LA Story. One of the richest and accessible films he's ever had the pleasure of starring in. And I can say very much the same thing of Roxanne.

Martin has tailored the screenplay to his own specifications. He's written it to showcase his talents and play to his skills as best as possible. He is the undoubted heart and soul of the entire picture. And whether he be funny, moving or downright poetic, he is superb on all counts.

To list the film's highlights is an impossible task. There are just so many. I suppose any scene with Martin would qualify. But one scene that stands head and shoulders above the rest is the scene with C.D. in a bar.

Allow me to set the scene for you. C.D. is having a night out with Roxanne and his sister Dixie (sweetly played by Shelley Duvall). A rude man comes over and comments on C.D's "big nose." Instead of feeling offended, C.D. comes up with 25 nose-related puns. One each funnier than the last. All capped by the final superb joke, "You're name wouldn't be Dick would it?!"

What a scene! It's one of the best sustained four minutes of comedy you'll ever see. And I'll bet it was all improvised too. Steve Martin likes to set challenges for himself. And he rises to this one admirably. His gift of improvisation is the hallmark of a true comedian. And this film (but especially this scene) has Martin at the top of his peak.

But its not just Steve Martin that provides the fun. Daryl Hannah is quite perfect in the role of Roxanne. She's always been an actress looking out for since her breakout role in Splash! And as Roxanne, she is positively luminous.

Although her scenes with Martin don't sizzle, they do enjoy an earnest, comfortable sort of chemistry. The scene where it looks like she's about to return C'D's feelings is poignant, because she keeps building up his hopes over this man she's grown attracted to, until it turns out she was talking about one of C'D's coworkers at the fire station. You feel just as crushed as C.D.

I hate to keep carping on and on about Steve Martin, but he is just so wonderful in this film I can't help it. He gets to play to the hilt without ever going over the top. He not only gets to show off his talent for physical comedy, but the smart screenplay allows him to adopt a more intelligent stride too.

The scene where he tries on different noses for size is fun but surprisingly disturbing too. Although C.D. looks normal with a button nose, he also looks unremarkable. Without his most defining characteristic, he's just another face in the crowd. He wouldn't be C.D. anymore.

And Roxanne wouldn't eventually fall in love with C.D. I suppose we saw that coming from the offset. But who cares. C.D. Bales is one of Steve Martin's truest and most well defined characters. He deserves his happy ending. Roxanne is an absolute pleasure. A film so light in its step it practically flies.

Sweet, Charming But, Unfortunately, Profane

[ccthemovieman-1 · 7/10 · 17 November 2006]

This was a "sweet" romantic-comedy in which Steve Martin was near the top of his game, so to speak, and Darryl Hannah never looked better. Just staring at her in some scenes was awesome. Martin's character, "C.D. Bales," thought so, too.

This movie, based on the famous play, "Cyrano de Bergerac," was pretty charming throughout with Martin providing light humor and and sporting a humongous nose. Unfortunately, that nose helps prevent the object of his affection, "Roxanne" (Hannah) from receiving that back, the latter prefer the handsome-but-dumb "Chris McConnell" (Rich Rossovich).

The only thing that was not sweet or charming was the abuse of the Lord's name in vain, used about 10 times in here. For a movie of this nature, that is uncalled for and ruined the enjoyment of this film for me. There was no need for that. Without it, I would elevate this to a "9."

So slick and safe, it slides right off the screen...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 30 May 2004]

Modernized "Cyrano de Bergerac" from writer and star Steve Martin concerns long-nosed fireman in a picturesque town playing matchmaker for a shy co-worker and the new girl on the block (a beautiful but curiously single astronomer...she's such a romantic she literally studies the stars!). Pleasant and inoffensive in every way, but who wants nothing but valentines from a movie? It's a pretty pastry, all fluff. The sequence wherein C. D. asserts himself over a rowdy in a crowded bar is a big showpiece for Martin, but he's too calculated and at the ready; quips fall from his lips faster than a plausible speed of thought. One might argue that C. D. had these retorts stored away for years, but Martin's composure is too neat and tidy (like a showman). Daryl Hannah is lovely but oddly muted, while Shelley Duvall gives her little supporting bit a welcomed goose. Otherwise, "Roxanne" is sugar-coated; it's a cross between wisecracks and Frosted Flakes. Martin won the WGA Award for Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium but was overlooked by the Academy. ** from ****

Steve Martin is king

[ajdagreat · 23 January 2002]

If you don't like Steve Martin, watch this movie and you will. This movie so perfectly showcases his talents, both physical and verbal. The supporting cast is good too. The first scene with Daryl Hannah is great, as was the 20 better insults scene, but the highlight of the movie, at least for me, was Chris's first date with Roxanne. The whole thing where he's at her house is so hilarious. This movie is very funny, yet it never sacrifices the characters for humor. An underrated classic, sure to brighten your day.

nobody nose better...

[mcfly-31 · 7/10 · 13 May 2009]

Martin's charming, self-written rom-com update of the classic Cyrano De Bergerac story (his character is even given the C.D.B. initials) is still winning lo these years later.

Things begin with the small-town arrival of the scholarly Hannah and beefcake fireman Rossovich, which pits Martin between the two. He feels an instant attraction to Hannah's brainy but cute astronomer, but has forever felt inferior to such women because of his lengthy schnozz. She naturally makes eyes at Rossovich who is actually written in a most original way: he freezes up when it comes to approaching the ladies.

Now what would the perfect complication for Martin be? Yep, the simpleton stud comes to him for help in breaking the ice with Hannah. Martin is so smitten that he (I would assume) feels his only way to express *his* feelings toward her and get away with it, would be to help Rossovich out. This sets off a number of mistaken intellectual identities and some very effective comedy of errors.

Martin was credited with playing an actual grounded character for once, which was a welcome change. Which is not to say he doesn't inject his usual schtick in from time to time, but here he doesn't overdo it. His zany throwaways like paying to return a newspaper to its stand after squealing about a headline, or mocking the town mayor for an empty contest idea, are just right. And of course, the scene that really made the film, was the "20 something betters" in regards to insults about his nose when challenged by a bar blowhard.

My only real gripe with the flick is the time-frame in which things unfold. The whole story takes place only over about a week's time, involving sex, falling in love, desertion, secrets, etc. It takes away the smallest amount of credibility to the character's integrity as they so effortlessly let themselves go. Plus there's a violently awkward opening that sees Martin beat the hell of of pair of scumbag drunks, as well as his needless bit where he falls from a tree and blathers away about extraterrestrials. But it's hardly enough to ruin any of the fine work here.

There are a lot of little things done right, such as the sure-handed direction of Schepisi and a rather pleasant music score. Much credit must also go to Rossovich, who stuns with his dead-accurate "dumb-guy" persona, which in the hands of the wrong actor, would've wrung false. Not a moment of his lunkhead Romeo act feels forced, and it really grabs your attention. And lastly, a much overlooked fact of this film is that Martin wrote it. That he could balance such a multitude of personalities so effectively is beyond impressive. This is never more in evidence than in the purposely laughable exchange between Rossovich and an equally scatterbrained female bartender. His line about a "meat sandwich in the mountains" still nets a big-time laugh.

If you want breezy without being boring, and the cozy feeling of sleepytown singles life, Roxanne still brings the goods.

If you're gonna steal...

[aernest · 7/10 · 3 August 2010]

...steal from the best. And the best is Rostrand's Cyrano de Bergerac. I generally like Steve Martin's light-footed take on Rostrand's classic. The cast is jam-packed with talented character actors, and an appropriately handsome Rick Rossovich in the role of Christian. Daryl Hannah is refreshingly not dingy or dumb as the eponymous lead, and Steve Martin manages to give us a glimpse of the great soul that resides behind the ridiculous nose. But the biggest problem with this movie IS the nose. Plastic surgery was not an option back in Rostrand's day, but it certainly is now. This is breezed over by a reference that C.D. is allergic to anesthesia. I think any man with a nose that outlandish would probably do it under local anesthetics or a stiff drink. Cyrano refers to the "mockery behind the smile" in the women he meets, but we don't see that same torment in C.D. This is a comedy, though, without the sweet tragedy at the bottom that the original source has, so that's OK. What people are loving here is the basic story - what we all want to know - "Am I loved for myself?" If you love this movie, do yourself a favor and watch the French "Cyrano" with Gerard Depardieu. To me that's the definitive version. You'll then see how this movie pleasantly compares.

Steve Martin Nose Comedy

[ASuiGeneris · 7/10 · 7 April 2018]

Roxanne (1987) Director: Fred Schepisi Watched: April 2018 Rating: 6/10

Cliche, saccharine, Nose a needless plot device. Wished to strangle Chris, Funnier adapted play, But Martin is all it has.

Comets, great houses, Firefighters on fire, Written love letters, Laughs and banter so witty, Martin is more than enough.

Somonka is a form of poetry that is essentially two tanka poems (the 5-7-5-7-7 syllable format), the second stanza a response to the first. Traditionally, each is a love letter and it requires two authors, but sometimes a poet takes on two personas. My somonka will be a love/hate letter to this film? #Somonka #PoemReview

Roxanne

[phubbs · 7/10 · 2 March 2018]

A wacky Steve Martin comedy set in the pacific northwest of America that is based upon the 1897 play 'Cyrano de Bergerac' by Edmond Rostand?? You certainly don't get movies like this anymore.

So in a nutshell the 1897 play revolves around a cadet in the French army, de Bergerac. A strong willed, passionate and confident man who is, amongst other things, a gifted poet, musician and duelist. There is just one problem, he has a rather large nose which causes him much angst. It is this one feature of himself that prevents him from expressing his true love for Roxane, his cousin...ahem (twas a different time).

Long story short, a good looking young man named Christian enters de Bergerac's company of guards. Roxane loves Christian and asks de Bergerac to protect the young soldier, he agrees but is angry. After being told that Roxane loves him, Christian is upset because Roxane is an intelligent woman whilst he is basically a dumb soldier, how can he compare? de Bergerac seizes the opportunity and offers to write to Roxane for Christian, pretending to be him. Christian agrees and de Bergerac is able to spill his love for Roxane through Christian.

Eventually of course Christian tires of de Bergerac's help and tries to woo Roxane himself, failing. Over time Christian works out de Bergerac's true feelings for Roxane and wants Roxane to choose between them. But before this can happen Christian is killed by gunshot (twas during a siege with Spain) leading to Roxane living in a convent. Again long story short Roxane eventually discovers that de Bergerac wrote all the love letters to her and realises that she loves him. Alas de Bergerac also dies in the end but not before knowing Roxane loves him. Happy ending?

Naturally this 1987 comedy doesn't exactly follow along these lines. There is no war with Spain and nobody dies. Martin plays the fiery fire chief C.D. Bales (note the initials) who has an incredibly long narrow nose. As with the original plays character of de Bergerac, Bales is confident, skilled in the arts, athletic, and most definitely a charmer with the ladies. And also like the play the residents of the small town Bales lives in know not to mock him for his nose because he will usually get his own back. Unlike the play this does not involve duels of course, but often cruel biting attacks of sarcastic humour, or even the odd scuffle if needs be. His athleticism and dry mocking wit are definitely his main weapons and the main comic tools in this movie.

In the play de Bergerac does tend to hate himself and can be very spiteful. Here Martin (obviously) plays the character of Bales in an upbeat way, he embraces his nose mostly, but at times he does dream of a more regular look. Martin really shows how he can do more than just act silly, which at the time was what he was most known for. There are plenty of great little scenes which showcase Martin's range such as Bales fighting with a couple hecklers in the street. The 20 nose joke sequence where Bales destroys a drunkard insulting his nose. And of course the key scene which is taken from the classic play where Bales assists Chris (Rick Rossovich) under Roxanne's (Daryl Hannah) balcony.

The other key characters Chris and Roxanne are both solidly performed by Rossovich and Hannah. Can't deny Rossovich has a tough job dealing with a character that's just a big lunk yet lovable and likeable. Chris is totally the hunky dumb stereotype that is loosely based around Christian. Admittedly Rossovich's acting isn't stunning or anything but he conveys his character well. As for Hannah (the beautiful Roxanne), she's exactly as you would expect her to be at the height of her sexy phase. Light, fluffy, smart, a beaming smile, golden flowing locks, a great body, a nice house etc...Pretty much every male dream at the time and she doesn't disappoint on that note. Alas despite a good performance its basically nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to soppy rom-coms.

To anyone who is completely oblivious to the original source material of 1897 this movie will probably come across as a very safe schmaltzy romantic comedy. You don't need to know about the 1897 play as everything presented to you works on its own. What you have is a sentimental rom-com about a nice guy with a big nose who's in love with a beautiful young woman; but must somehow get around the fact she loves the good looking hunk who's just turned up on the scene. Most would probably know if the movie was for them simply by watching the trailer with its gooey pleasantville visuals, good looking stars, cheeky comedy, and Martin on a full charm offensive.

To anyone who knows of the original 1897 source material, I think they would appreciate director Fred Schepisi's attempt at updating the play for the modern (at the time) era. Not an easy task all things considered, but I think Schepisi and Martin did an admiral job here in terms of emotion, story and light-hearted comedy. Obviously there are big changes such as the finale which had to be done I guess. Others are more questionable such as the whole firefighter aspect, why did Bales need to be a chief firefighter? This doesn't really add anything to the plot. And why are the other firemen so utterly useless at their job? They are obviously there for pure comedic relief but it just makes no real sense, they are literally bumbling idiots.

But yeah, this is a Steve Martin romantic comedy from the 80's, it does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. Dare I say that maybe the ladies would like this movie more so than the gents? I mean it is wacky Martin being wacky, but its also Martin being a bit more restrained and maturing at the same time. No surprise that there is more lovey-dovey stuff in here than laugh-out-loud moments (no toilet humour here folks). Despite that the comedy does work in general. It ranges from clever wit to being somewhat dated, a bit childish at times, a bit cringy. But at no point does the movie outstay its welcome, if anything the gorgeous sleepy little town setting makes you wanna live there. Its certainly a unique movie with plenty of heart and a good overall message about being yourself.

7/10

Martin shines in average rom com

[Stampsfightclub · 8/10 · 16 May 2008]

Steve Martin (The man with two brains) stars as fire chief Charlie Bales, a man with a big nose. This unusual feature makes him believe he will be able to be with a girl he has just met, the beautiful Roxanne.

Martin gives a good performance as the insecure but happy fire chief. His best moment is the famous bar scene where he is challenged to think of 20 insults regarding his big nose, which is the most interesting point of the film.

The over sized nose is the big talking point of the town and the use of it was quite interesting as it brought out a touching subject regarding appearance and what other people though of it. As the film is a comedy it is the focus on pretty much all of the jokes and uses it well, with Martin's comedy experience proving vital to make the nose jokes work. His reactions are excellent, the bar scene and the opening sequence with the two men. The fact Martin did all of his own stunts was a fact I couldn't believe because there are some very difficult manoeuvres that he has to do but all are executed brilliantly.

The plot is consistent, with many good jokes and a sweet storyline regarding the fire chief and the woman he has fallen for. Sadly it follows up the conventional romantic story line. Don't get me wrong I love romantic films but a bit of variety every now and again wouldn't hurt.

Rossovich and Hannah are good enough in their roles but are completely outshone by Martin. They had pretty conventional roles and always seemed to give the film predictability rather than spontaneity. Though that is also down to some cheesy and poor dialogue.

Martin's performance however is enough to carry the film from start to finish and had the film been longer or varied from the usual romantic conventions, then this would be the perfect romantic comedy.

Charming

[rivertam26 · 7/10 · 21 February 2020]

I just recently saw this for the first time and was impressed at Steve Martin's humor. The film is s reimagining of Cyrano De Bergerac tale. The handsome Martin stars as a likable man with a very big nose who falls for Roxanne played by a charming Daryl Hannah. But because of his insecurities he helps out a hunky cop to win her affection. The movie is sweet and Martin and Hannah have good chemistry. It never aims to be more than what it is. But uts an entertaining romantic comedy with some genuinely likable characters and performances.

How to destroy a great story by amputating its central point,,,

[grizzledgeezer · 3/10 · 10 June 2015]

If you've seen the José Ferrer "Cyrano de Bergerac", it's permanently etched in your memory. (The Depardieu version is good-but-not-great.) It's one of the great romances, true or fictional, and Ferrer's Oscar-winning performance will leave you in tears. What can you do to improve it?

NOTHING. Leave it alone. A timeless work doesn't need updating, let alone a translation to another venue, which only diminishes it.

"Roxanne" has a basically happy ending, which spoils the whole thing. We all cry over the things we want, but can't have. (In 2008, I lost the thing I most loved in life, but could never have.) We need catharsis. "Cyrano" supplies it. "Roxanne" is devoid of any real emotion.

God's only nose

[Lejink · 8/10 · 20 December 2015]

One of my favourite Steve Martin comedies, before he followed the example of Woody Allen and stopped with the comedy and hankered after more serious parts in dull films by Ron Howard and David Mamet. This is definitely how I like him best, in genuinely funny situations that make you laugh. He wrote his own screenplay too, cleverly if loosely taking the old classic story of the big-nosed romantic Cyrano De Bergerac and transplanting it to a modern American small town romantic comedy.

As Charlie, the local fire-chief, Martin's character, besides being a loquacious wordsmith, is also, it would appear, a Cirque-class acrobat and martial arts expert which he amply demonstrates as the movie progresses. The arrival in town of intellectual hottie Darryl Hannah finds the two striking up a blossoming if offbeat friendship before the entrance of lunk-hunk Chris, nicely played by Rick Rossovich, to his fire-crew finds Charlie pressed into action as Chris's prompter in trying to win over Hannah's heart in his stead.

Needless to say, the paths of true love don't run smoothly but do eventually find their rightful destinations for all the main parties but not before many highly comedic scenes get in the way. The extended scenes where Martin takes out two insulting tennis players at the start, his top 20 nose-jokes and especially the by-proxy seduction of Hannah at her Juliet window are all hilarious, but there's plenty of devilry in the detail too especially the short scenes with the "Golden Girls" of the town.

Just maybe, Martin could have downplayed the slapstick comedy element of his Keystone Fire Brigade, which can't touch the Golden Silents of Keaton and Lloyd for amusement, but their coming together to finally demonstrate competence in actually putting out a fire, to the strains of "The Blue Danube", at least concluded another minor plot story arc too. Oh, and I hated the sleep-inducing saxophone-dominated soundtrack too, but hey, this was the 80's, I guess.

Martin is terrific in the "Cyrano" part and Darryl Hannah is surprisingly good in being asked to do more than just shake her curls. Mild distraction as they were as a group, it was still nice to see Michael J Pollard as one of the fire crew too.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of Martin's early comedies and this is one of his best. If I'm lying, may my nose grow in length!

And then as I end the refrain -- oops!

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 19 December 2014]

A diverting and light-hearted rendition of Edmond Rostand's play, "Cyrano de Bergerac," about a real historical figure who didn't have a particularly large nose.

Martin is the chief of Nelson's Fire Department. His nose "marches on before him by a quarter of a mile," as Jose Ferrer put it in the 1950 film version. Hannah, a student astronomer, comes to Nelson to observe a comet. Martin falls for her but she's more interested in the handsome, muscle-bound Chris, Rossovich. Rossovich is a nice guy but dim-witted and very nervous around women, so much so that he vomits at the thought of courting them. He persuades Martin first to write love letters for him to Hannah, and finally to serenade her with flowery prose beneath her balcony. Martin hides his identity as the author but Hannah finds out and -- well, it all ends happily.

I'm glad it ended happily. As Howard Hawks once remarked, an audience doesn't like to see nice people get killed. But the ending, and all the things that precede it, DOES turn the film into a genial comedy instead of a gripping tragedy. Here, no one is likely to be moved to tears but, if he is, they will be tears of laughter.

And there are some very funny moments, almost all of them stemming from Steve Martin's performance. When Hannah finally confronts Martin with the evidence that it's been he, not Rossovich, who has been writing the letters, Martin screws up his features into a phony smile as he reads his own epistles and, still trying to convince Hannah that the author was Rossovich, he bends over to emphasize his explosive, "It's so -- HIM." (Well, it loses in the transposition.)

It's amiable enough, yet its being a comedy drains it of much of the story's emotional content. Not for a moment, does Martin convince the audience that his heart is breaking while he sends his true love to bed with another man.

The direction doesn't help much. The funny stuff is in the script. The director, Fred Schepisi, has a blunt style. He practically attacks the material. He thrusts. He lunges. There are multiple in-your-face close ups that have no special point. And there are way too many interpolated burlesques involving the incompetence of the members of the fire department. The Keystone Kops were just as amusing.

On the plus side, Nelson, in British Columbia, looks like the kind of small town that one might dream about living in before it gets swallowed up in featureless, soulless urban sprawl.

excruciating embarrassment

[ruth-slavid · 1/10 · 17 March 2008]

There are few films that stick in my memory because they are so dreadful, but this is one. Steve Martin is one of the most embarrassing actors I have ever seen, and the whole film is cloying and without charm. Rumour has it that there is meant to be some humour in it - but I'm sure it is just a rumour. Oh for Gerard Depardieu in Cyrano. The only virtue of a film like this is that it helps you remember who to avoid in future. Somebody told me that in certain circumstances Daryl Hannah can act, but I have avoided her like the plague since seeing this horror of a film. This is a classic indication of how American cinema can screw up a first-rate story.

Funny, romantic and involving – Martin's best all round comedy

[bob the moo · 2 April 2002]

C.D. Bales is a Fire Department chief in a small town, his staff are barely competent at best – however they rarely have more than a cat in a tree to deal with. C.D. is cheerful but lonely at heart. His huge nose has kept him away from women despite his charm, humour and warmth. When Roxanne moves into town he falls for her instantly and they strike up a good rapport. However she has fallen for new fire department recruit Chris – a buff young man. To win her over Chris uses C.D.'s words to seduce her, however C.D. grows more frustrated that Roxanne loves his words but not him.

Essentially the story is Cyrano de Bergerac (C.D. – gettit?) with some major twists to update it to the modern setting of small town America. The story is good without being rocket science – those who don't see a happy ending coming are, simply put, fools! But it doesn't matter because it is done with such charm that it's easy to be carried along with it. What holds it together even more is Martin's comedy.

He is funny from beginning to end and is surrounded by a funny support cast – the fire crew and the flash mayor are the bets. He manages to wring comedy from his nose (not a pleasant image!), his surroundings and all sorts of surreal things – it's not as wild as things like the Jerk or the man with two brains but he is wacky without being OTT or unbelievable.

Martin is of course excellent in the lead but I must admit to not liking Daryll Hannah. She was actually OK but I didn't buy her in the role. The support cast are all good and play their roles well, but really it's Martin's show and he is allowed both out and out comedy as well as more tender moments.

Overall, it may not be as funny as The Jerk or Man With 2 Brains but with a solid story and semi-realistic setting it makes this Martin's best developed comedy to date.