Review of Roxanne (1987) by Terry M — 24 Sep 2008

Steve Martin may be the central character (even though the title of the film suggests otherwise, I'm not having it), and he may be in nearly every scene. It's easy to focus critical attention on his performance - making the very easy claim that he (his character) carries the film. Not so. Anyone who's acted or plays sports knows the game or the production is only as good as its weakest link. Steve Martin may be good, however, he needs equally generous - quality - actors/comics willing to look him in the eye and give back. Rick Rossovich is priceless in his fearless willingness to, with a straight face, humiliate himself with cringe-inducing buffoonery. He and Steve Martin make up a comedy duo where Steve plays the role of the "straight man" feeding Rick material, and reacting to Rick's unpredictable replies. Like Abbot and Costello, or Laurel and Hardy - the secret to their comedic chemistry doesn't lie in any one-sided contribution. The two men need each other and, when they're together, the resulting comedy is delightful.

Similarly, Steve Martin's reputation as a temperament to be reckoned with isn't sold to the audience by him, its sold by his colleagues (the apprehensive and terrified firemen) and friends long before he takes the stage and earns his chops by conjuring a daunting-in-number series of impromptu "big-nose" jokes. CD's reputation relies on the credibility of his co-stars; if he's convincing, its important to note he doesn't do it alone.

Roxanne is great because everyone involved cashes in to make the story funny and sweet - a fond memory worth revisiting.