Cyrano | Films of Joe Wright

In the final entry of their Joe Wright miniseries, Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia tackle one of the director’s boldest and most overlooked works: Cyrano (2021). A stylized musical romance starring Peter Dinklage, with music by The National, Cyrano reimagines the classic tale with modern emotion, theatrical visuals, and a deeply tragic heart.

The conversation covers the film’s COVID-delayed release, box office struggles, and Wright’s distinct blend of humor, heartbreak, and visual flourish. From its heartfelt songs to the devastating climax, Bobby and Nick unpack the film’s exploration of self-worth, love, and sacrifice—while also reflecting on where it fits within the arc of Joe Wright’s filmography.

Time Codes:

• 00:20 – The Length of Podcasts: A Listener's Perspective

• 01:06 – Introducing Cyrano: A Journey Through Joe Wright's Filmography

• 03:54 – The Musical Elements of Cyrano

• 06:40 – The Challenges of Releasing Cyrano During COVID

• 09:41 – Audience Expectations and Box Office Performance

• 12:28 – Personal Reflections on Cyrano

• 15:11 – The Visual and Emotional Appeal of Cyrano

• 16:53 – Theatrical Choices in Film Adaptation

• 20:31 – Musical Elements and Their Impact

• 24:29 – Character Introductions and Development

• 30:29 – Action and Choreography in Cyrano

• 41:08 – Visual Aesthetics and Symbolism in Scenes

• 42:12 – Exploring Prestige Cinema and Its Risks

• 44:11 – The Complexity of Cyrano’s Character

• 46:26 – The Power of Performance and Emotion

• 49:32 – Themes of Insecurity and Tragedy

• 50:53 – The Dynamics of Love and Friendship

• 54:23 – The Musical Elements and Their Impact (Revisited)

• 58:29 – Character Relationships and Development

• 01:01:11 – Villainy and Moral Ambiguity

• 01:05:16 – Empathy and Understanding in Conflict

• 01:06:25 – The Shift to War: A Cinematic Transition

• 01:08:53 – Emotional Depth: The Impact of War on Characters

• 01:13:30 – The Heartbreaking Song: A Moment of Reflection

• 01:18:17 – Final Confessions: Love and Loss

• 01:22:56 – Joe Wright’s Unique Vision: A Retrospective

• 01:27:53 – Ranking Joe Wright’s Films: A Discussion

• 01:31:37 – Diverse Perspectives on Joe Wright’s Films

• 01:34:26 – Exploring the Nuances of Hanna and Darkest Hour

• 01:38:11 – The Emotional Depth of Cyrano and Atonement

• 01:42:02 – Contrasting Styles: Pride & Prejudice vs. Anna Karenina

• 01:46:47 – Final Rankings and Reflections on Joe Wright’s Filmography