Setting:
* Cyrano de Bergerac: Set in 17th century France, during the time of the French musketeers.
* Roxanne: Set in modern times, with a contemporary setting and characters.
Characters:
* Cyrano de Bergerac: Cyrano is a poet, swordsman, and soldier. He is a complex character, known for his wit, bravery, and self-deprecating humor. He is also deeply in love with Roxane, but believes his large nose makes him unattractive.
* Roxanne: In the play, Roxane is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is deeply in love with Cyrano's poetry. She is unaware of Cyrano's true feelings for her and believes she is in love with Christian, who is using Cyrano's words to woo her.
* Roxanne: In the movie, Roxanne is a scientist who is attracted to intelligence. She is completely unaware of Cyrano's true identity and believes she is in love with the handsome firefighter, C.D. Bales.
Plot:
* Cyrano de Bergerac: The play focuses on Cyrano's self-sacrificing love for Roxane, his rivalry with the handsome Christian, and his ultimate tragic demise. The plot revolves around Cyrano writing love letters for Christian to deliver to Roxane, while secretly longing for her himself.
* Roxanne: The movie takes a more comedic approach, focusing on Cyrano's witty banter and the humorous situations that arise from his attempts to win Roxane's heart. The movie also features modern elements, such as technology and social media.
Tone:
* Cyrano de Bergerac: The play is a romantic tragedy with elements of comedy and drama.
* Roxanne: The movie is a romantic comedy with a lighthearted and humorous tone.
Themes:
* Cyrano de Bergerac: Themes of love, self-sacrifice, beauty, and the power of words are explored.
* Roxanne: Themes of self-acceptance, inner beauty, and the importance of intelligence are emphasized.
Overall:
While both Cyrano de Bergerac and Roxanne share the basic premise of a man with a large nose who loves a woman, the movie takes a more modern and comedic approach to the story, while the play retains its classic romantic tragedy feel. The movie also features its own unique characters and plot twists, making it a fresh and enjoyable reimagining of the original story.