Roxanne 1987
Directed by
Fred Schepisi
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In this delightful romantic comedy, C.D. Bales portrayed by Steve Martin serves as the fire chief in a quaint town nestled in the Pacific Northwest. C.D. is not just your ordinary chief; he’s exceptionally witty, acrobatic, and possesses a remarkable array of skills. However, he harbors a deep sensitivity about his extraordinarily large nose, which becomes a source of conflict throughout the film. His heart belongs to the enchanting Roxanne Kowalski, played by Daryl Hannah, who happens to be an astronomer captivated by the charming yet not-so-bright fireman, Chris Rick Rossovich.
In a clever twist reminiscent of the classic play, C.D. wrestles with insecurity regarding his appearance, particularly since surgery is off the table due to a perilous allergy to anesthetics. His love for Roxanne is expressed through heartfelt letters which he cunningly allows Chris to pass off as his own. The tension escalates when Roxanne receives a letter from Chris claiming he has left both the town and her for another woman. As the truth unravels, Dixie, C.D.’s friend and god-sister, spills the beans that it was in fact C.D. who authored the letters, not Chris.
When C.D. visits Roxanne’s home, their confrontation intensifies; she accuses him of tricking her, while he argues that she seeks a partner who fits an ideal of perfection. Ultimately, there is a cathartic resolution where C.D. and Roxanne confront their feelings, leading to a heartfelt moment of reconciliation. Roxanne boldly confesses her affection for not only C.D. but also his unique nose, insisting that those with flatter noses lack intrigue.
Alongside this romantic journey, the film also features C.D.’s humorous struggles with the clumsiness of his volunteer fire crew — a group that Chris has been brought in to train — and the exciting appearance of a new comet that Roxanne eagerly awaits to observe. Adding to the charm of the town is a cafe owner, Shelley Duvall, who serves as a friendly face to both C.D. and Roxanne, further enriching the tapestry of this whimsical tale.
Timeline
Introduction of C.D. Bales
C.D. Bales, portrayed by Steve Martin, is introduced as the witty and acrobatic fire chief of a quaint Pacific Northwest town. He is known for his remarkable skills but struggles with deep insecurities regarding his unusually large nose.
C.D.'s Love for Roxanne
C.D. harbors a profound affection for Roxanne Kowalski, an enchanting astronomer played by Daryl Hannah. Despite his feelings, he grapples with insecurity about his appearance, which complicates his romantic endeavors.
Introduction of Chris
Chris, a charming yet not-so-bright fireman portrayed by Rick Rossovich, enters the scene. He captures Roxanne's attention, creating a love triangle that adds tension to C.D.'s unspoken feelings.
C.D.'s Letters to Roxanne
To express his love for Roxanne, C.D. pens heartfelt letters that he allows Chris to claim as his own. This clever deception is driven by C.D.'s fear of rejection due to his looks.
Roxanne Receives Disturbing News
Roxanne receives a letter from Chris, falsely stating that he has left the town and her for someone else. This deceptive message intensifies her emotions and leaves her feeling confused and heartbroken.
Dixie's Revelation
C.D.'s friend and god-sister, Dixie, drops a bombshell by revealing that it was actually C.D. who wrote the letters, not Chris. This unexpected revelation throws Roxanne into a whirlwind of emotions and questions.
Confrontation at Roxanne's Home
C.D. pays a visit to Roxanne's home, leading to an intense confrontation. Accusations fly as Roxanne feels tricked, while C.D. argues that she is searching for an idealized partner, creating a difficult dialogue between them.
Cathartic Resolution
Amidst their confrontation, C.D. and Roxanne confront their true feelings for each other. This moment allows both characters to express their vulnerabilities and leads to a deep emotional reconciliation.
Roxanne's Bold Confession
In a pivotal moment, Roxanne openly declares her affection not just for C.D. but also for his unique nose. This confession symbolizes her acceptance of C.D. just as he is, highlighting the underlying theme of inner beauty.
C.D.'s Struggles with the Fire Crew
Amidst his romantic turmoil, C.D. faces humorous challenges with the clumsiness of his volunteer fire crew. This subplot adds a lighthearted dimension to the story and showcases his leadership abilities.
Roxanne Awaits the New Comet
As the plot unfolds, Roxanne eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new comet she hopes to observe. This anticipation serves as a metaphor for her own journey of discovery and wonder, mirroring her evolving feelings towards C.D.
The Charming Cafe Owner
Among the vibrant personalities in town is the friendly cafe owner, portrayed by Shelley Duvall. Her interactions with C.D. and Roxanne provide moments of warmth and humor, enriching the narrative with community spirit.
Characters
C.D. Bales (Steve Martin)
C.D. Bales is a witty and skilled fire chief who struggles with self-acceptance due to his unconventional appearance. His large nose becomes a source of comedic tension and emotional conflict throughout the film. Despite his insecurities, he shows profound dedication to love, proving that authenticity lies within one's character rather than appearance.
Roxanne Kowalski (Daryl Hannah)
Roxanne is an intelligent and captivating astronomer whose charm captivates C.D. She represents the ideal balance between beauty and intellect, encouraging C.D. to embrace his uniqueness. Her journey of self-discovery ultimately leads her to recognize the value of authenticity in love.
Chris (Rick Rossovich)
Chris is the charming yet somewhat dimwitted fireman who becomes the unlikely object of Roxanne's affection. His character serves as a foil to C.D., highlighting the humorous misunderstandings of love. While well-meaning, he becomes unintentionally entangled in the romantic misadventures of C.D. and Roxanne.
Dixie (Shelley Duvall)
Dixie is C.D.'s friend and god-sister, providing support and humor throughout the film. Her loyalty to C.D. drives the narrative forward, as she becomes the key to unraveling the deception surrounding the love letters. Dixie's vibrant personality adds depth to the story, emphasizing friendship amid romantic chaos.
Setting
Time period
The film revolves around contemporary themes of love, insecurity, and acceptance, set against a modern small-town backdrop. Although not defined by a specific historical period, it reflects the cultural dynamics of a more relaxed, community-oriented era.
Location
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning landscapes, dense forests, and vibrant communities. It embodies a mix of natural beauty and small-town charm, making it a perfect backdrop for romantic tales. In 'Roxanne', this picturesque region complements the whimsical and heartfelt journey of the characters.
Themes
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Love and Insecurity
The central theme revolves around unrequited love and personal insecurities, particularly C.D.'s feelings about his appearance. The characters navigate their emotions and societal expectations, highlighting the struggle between inner worth and outward perceptions. Ultimately, it celebrates the idea that true love transcends superficial traits.
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Deception and Truth
The use of letters as a means of communication creates a layer of deception that drives the plot. C.D.'s choice to let Chris take credit for his heartfelt expressions complicates relationships, revealing how misunderstandings can lead to significant emotional turmoil. This theme underscores the importance of honesty in love.
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Astrology and Wonder
Roxanne's passion for astronomy symbolizes dreams and aspirations, representing the wonder of discovery. The appearance of the comet serves as a narrative device that intertwines with the characters' arcs, signifying hope and new beginnings. This theme reinforces the idea that love can illuminate the darkest insecurities.
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