Review of Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) by Hugo F — 07 Jun 2008

True, the focal point was Ferrer. He is an actor whom only a fool would boo off stage. And the poor quality to the film overall does not spoil the spirit of Ferrer as Cyrano if you take into account some of the backstory in the film's making.

Many scenes were handled well by Ferrer, with him utilizing as much of the flat and plain set as he could, especially in that great monologue he gives in the first scene at the theatre. I find, as I am sure many film lovers do, that a good performance does enough to carry the show even without spectacular visuals.

Its a delicate process. Much of the production is outdated, but Ferrer still manages to convey wit and suffering theatrically, without looking like the fool everyone in France is so afraid to be marked as.

Besides, we all have to open to many interpretations when it comes to literature right? Sure.