★★★★★

Smart, sweet, and surprisingly poetic, Roxanne is a romantic comedy that speaks to the heart and the mind.

Liza T.

Texas

Roxanne (1987) Review: Is This Steve Martin’s Best Rom-Com?

By MJ Hall | Updated: April 13, 2026

At a Glance: Movie Facts

• Director: Fred Schepisi

• Screenplay: Steve Martin (Adapted from Cyrano de Bergerac)

• Release Date: June 19, 1987

• Filming Location: Nelson, British Columbia (Doubling for Washington)

• Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)

The Smartest Romantic Comedy of the '80s

While many 1980s romantic comedies have faded into caricature, Steve Martin’s 1987 classic Roxanne remains a masterclass in the genre. It performs a delicate balancing act: it is both a quintessential, feel-good film and a surprisingly faithful, emotionally resonant reimagining of Edmond Rostand's 1897 play, Cyrano de Bergerac.

We assert that Roxanne is not just an entertaining film but a pivotal work in Martin's filmography. It succeeds by leveraging genuine wit and a timeless message of self-acceptance that still resonates today.

Steve Martin’s Genius: From "Wild and Crazy" to Romantic Lead

Steve Martin, who also penned the screenplay, used this film to transition his career. Moving past his "wild and crazy guy" persona, he anchors the role of C.D. Bales, the quick-witted fire chief cursed with an enormous nose.

His performance is a masterclass in controlled comedy paired with profound vulnerability.

• Physical Comedy: Martin utilizes his trademark agility in the famous tennis match and house-climbing scenes.

• Intellectual Depth: The script shines during the bar scene, where C.D. delivers 25 increasingly creative insults about his own nose. This writing elevates the script far above standard "slapstick" fare.

Roxanne vs. Cyrano de Bergerac: Why the Modern Twist Matters

The most brilliant departure Martin makes from the original 1897 play is acknowledging the modern possibility of rhinoplasty. C.D.'s refusal to alter his nose is presented as a conscious choice about self-acceptance and integrity.

In Rostand’s original play, the character of Christian is portrayed as somewhat dim-witted. Martin’s screenplay adds a layer of modern irony to Rick Rossovich’s character. While he is still the "handsome but tongue-tied" foil, his character reflects the 1980s obsession with physical fitness vs. intellectual depth. By contrasting C.D.’s quick-fire wit with Christian’s inability to speak under pressure, Martin highlights that in the modern world, communication, not just poetry, is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

For more on 80s icons, check out our Review of Splash (1984).

Production Trivia: The Nelson, BC Connection

Although the film is set in the fictional town of "Nelson, Washington," it was actually filmed in Nelson, British Columbia. Steve Martin reportedly fell in love with the town's fire station, which was a real working station at the time, and insisted on filming there. The local fire department members were even used as extras, adding a layer of authenticity to the town’s quirky atmosphere. This sense of place gives the film a "lived-in" feeling that most studio-bound rom-coms lack.

Chemistry and Casting: Daryl Hannah’s Intellectual Roxanne

Daryl Hannah’s portrayal of Roxanne is integral to the film’s success. She is not a passive love interest; she is an intelligent astronomer searching for profound connections. This elevates the central dilemma: Roxanne isn't shallow; she simply believes Christian is the source of the beautiful letters.

The supporting cast, including Shelley Duvall and the legendary Fred Willard, provides a comedic bedrock that allows the central romance to feel grounded in a real, albeit eccentric, community.

Visuals and Sound: Capturing the Magic of the Pacific Northwest

Director Fred Schepisi used a wide 2.40:1 aspect ratio to capture the stunning Pacific Northwest locale. The bright, breezy visual style complements the light-hearted tone. The film also expertly blends classical elegance, using Mozart to bridge the gap between the film’s literary heritage and its contemporary '80s saxophone score.

The Legacy of the 'Big Nose' Genre

Roxanne paved the way for a decade of "intellectual" romantic comedies. Without the success of C.D. Bales, we might not have seen the same vulnerability in later hits like As Good as It Gets. It proved that audiences were hungry for leads who were flawed, articulate, and deeply human, rather than the "perfect" archetypes seen in earlier 80s cinema.

Final Verdict: Does Roxanne Stand the Test of Time?

Roxanne remains a charming, intelligent, and genuinely heartwarming film. It serves as a powerful example of how a writer with clear passion can update a timeless story for a modern audience. It is a true cinematic classic that delivers both physical humor and profound romantic sentiment.

Watch Now on Amazon!