Award-winning director Joe Wright’s new CYRANO envelops moviegoers in a symphony of emotions with music, romance, and beauty, re-imagining the timeless tale of a heartbreaking love triangle. A man ahead of his time, Cyrano de Bergerac (played by Peter Dinklage) dazzles whether with ferocious wordplay at a verbal joust or with brilliant swordplay in a duel. But, convinced that his appearance renders him unworthy of the love of a devoted friend, the luminous Roxanne [Haley Bennett], Cyrano has yet to declare his feelings for her — and Roxanne has fallen in love, at first sight, with Christian [Kelvin Harrison, Jr.]. —Metro-Golden-Mayer
Once again, Wright gathered his award-winning, amazingly talented key creatives to help bring his vision of the story to life...Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, Production Designer Sarah Greenwood and Set Decorator Katie Spencer SDSA, Costume Designer Jacqueline Durran who brought on Massimo Cantini Parrini, and their teams...joined him and the cast in the ancient town of Noto, Sicily where they sheltered together and created this exquisite film during the height of COVID!
Sarah and Katie first met Jan Pascale SDSA when they all received their first Academy Awards nominations [PRIDE & PREJUDICE and GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK!], an instant friendship was formed. They sat down together recently via zoom to talk about the making of CYRANO, and there couldn’t possibly be a conversation with these three great-hearted talents without some wit, laughter and fabulous tales!
We’ve created a small gallery to give you a glimpse of some of the incredible sets, there are amazing stories behind each one, many of which are revealed in the video!
Enjoy!
Karen Burg, Editor
Roxanne’s rooms...Reflecting both the flair for romance and current financial state for Roxanne, whose fortunes have changed. She has come to the city supposedly to seek a husband of wealth, but she is determined to marry for love. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Roxanne’s rooms...Haley Bennett and crew members with the bed reminiscent of The Princess and The Pea! Check the video conversation with Katie & Sarah for the fabulous story of this! Photo by Peter Mountain ©2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Roxanne’s rooms...Because of diminished fortunes, her nanny/lady’s maid has to sleep in the dressing room, which is filled with Roxanne's fine dresses. The worn tiles and wainscoting reveal the wear of time and neglect, while the bed and silk wallpaper remind us of the setting in a palace. Inset: Note the Birth of Venus style headboard with gilded acanthus leaves that frame her hair, and the exquisite lacework of the bed linens. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Roxanne’s rooms...Dressing in a hurry. Haley Bennett as Roxanne and Monica Dolan as her lady’s maid Marie [under skirt]. Note the phenomenal window & window treatment, the unique sconce and the aforementioned lace bedlinens! Photo by Peter Mountain ©2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Roxanne’s rooms...Having sold most of her furniture, she has kept that which has great meaning for her, thus the desk, the beautiful escritoire where she writes her letters, draws & paints. Her letters are filled with sketches she has made, and when opened resemble illustrated origami. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Roxanne’s rooms, salon entrance...There is so much story behind these sets, watch the video conversation for intriguing details! Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Theater...Because this was filmed in Sicily during Covid, there were many restrictions and considerations, including building an outdoor theater, which was appropriate for both the time period and the well-being of all participating! Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Theater...Sarah had the theater built in the courtyard of the ancient hotel. [Thus the palm trees!] Here we see the first set of oil-candle chandeliers that will raise and lower, and some of the extraordinary painted panels. You really must listen to the conversation in the video above! Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Left: The theater scenes were shot night-for-night, here crew prepping and determining shots. Right: Katie [hat] and Sarah [far right] confer with team re: placement and effect. Note how low the chandelier to their left can be brought down in order to refill the oil candles which went in all the overhead chandeliers for safety. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Theater...The wonderfully Baroque stage proscenium and box seats. The pit will fill with standing audience. Watch the video conversation for amazing tales of this set! Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Pie shop/bakery...The paneled doors and fabulous fixtures were added to create the entry to the Pie shop and the Bakery. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Pie shop/bakery...See the video for Katie’s hilarious description of the gingerbread soldiers et al!!! Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
