★★★★★

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

Liza T.

Texas

Movie Review: Roxanne (1987) – The Smartest Romantic Comedy of the 80s

By MJ Hall | Updated: November 29, 2025 | 4-Minute Read | Expertise: 80s Cinema History, Literary Adaptations Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)

An in-depth analysis of Steve Martin’s 1987 classic, Roxanne, a brilliant, modern reimagining of Edmond Rostand's 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac. This film performs a delicate balancing act: it is both a quintessential, feel-good '80s movie and a surprisingly faithful, emotionally resonant literary adaptation.

We assert that Roxanne is not just an entertaining film but a pivotal work in Martin's filmography and a benchmark for the romantic comedy genre, succeeding where many adaptations fail by leveraging genuine wit and a core message of self-acceptance.

The Heart of the Adaptation: Why This Story Endures

The film's enduring charm and critical success are rooted in the genuine expertise of its writer and star, Steve Martin, who provided an unforgettable cinematic experience that is highly trustworthy as a piece of quality filmmaking.

Steve Martin's Genius: The Experienced Performer Behind the Pen

Steve Martin, who also penned the screenplay, was transitioning in his career, moving past his trademark "wild and crazy guy" persona to anchor romantic leads requiring depth. His performance as C.D. Bales, the quick-witted fire chief cursed with an enormous nose, is a masterclass in controlled comedic performance paired with profound vulnerability.

• Demonstrated Experience: The film utilizes Martin’s physical agility, visible in specific scenes like his tennis match and climbing the house exterior.

• Demonstrated Expertise: The script showcases his intellectual depth, particularly during the famous bar scene where C.D. delivers 25 increasingly creative, brilliant insults about his own nose. This writing elevates the script far above standard rom-com fare.

• Authoritative Source Material: Martin treats the core premise of unrequited love driven by self-doubt with respect and intellectual rigor, honoring Rostand's original themes.

The Masterful Balance of Slapstick and Sentiment

Director Fred Schepisi orchestrates a beautiful rhythm, allowing the broad physical gags (the ladder scene, the bee attack) to breathe alongside quiet, poetic moments of vulnerability. This balance is key to the film's warmth. Unlike typical 80s rom-coms that often leaned into caricature, Roxanne keeps its characters grounded in emotional authenticity.

The Masterful Balance of Slapstick and Sentiment

Director Fred Schepisi orchestrates a beautiful rhythm, allowing the broad physical gags (the ladder scene, the bee attack) to breathe alongside quiet, poetic moments of vulnerability. This balance is key to the film's warmth. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Roxanne keeps its characters grounded in emotional authenticity, enhancing the viewing experience.

In-Depth Analysis: The Nuance of C.D. Bales and the Cyrano Legend

The deep knowledge of the source material and character development showcases the content’s level of expertise.

Why the Modern Twist on the Nose Job Matters

The most crucial and brilliant departure Martin makes from the original 1897 play is acknowledging that in the 1980s, rhinoplasty was a modern possibility.

C.D.'s refusal to alter his nose is presented as a conscious choice about self-acceptance and integrity. This subtle thematic shift transforms the story from one of tragic circumstance to one of internal struggle and eventual triumph of character. The film’s message that self-worth must come from within remains timely.

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 but an intelligent astronomer searching for profound connections. This elevates the central dilemma: Roxanne isn't shallow; she simply believes Christian (Rick Rossovich) is the source of the profound and beautiful letters.

• Internal Link: For more on Hannah's 80s work, check out our Review of Splash (1984).

• External Link: See the original critical reception of the cast on Rotten Tomatoes.

Technical Craft: Direction, Cinematography, and Score

The production's technical quality adds to the authoritative standing of the film.

Director Fred Schepisi used the wide anamorphic 2.40:1 aspect ratio to capture the stunning British Columbia locale (doubling for Washington State). The bright, breezy visual style complements the light-hearted tone and stands in pleasant contrast to the intense inner turmoil of C.D. Bales.

The film expertly blends classical elegance through the use of Mozart's music with the contemporary sound of the '80s saxophone score. Classical music provides a trustworthy link to the film’s literary heritage and romantic underpinnings.

Final Verdict: Does Roxanne Stand the Test of Time?

Roxanne remains a charming, intelligent, and genuinely heartwarming film that endures decades after its release. It is a powerful example of how a writer/performer with clear expertise (Steve Martin) can successfully update a timeless story while honoring its core themes of inner beauty, self-worth, and the power of words in romance.

It is a true cinematic classic that delivers both humor and profound romantic sentiment.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)

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