Filmmaker Richard Linklater and actor Ethan Hawke have teamed up again for Blue Moon, a biopic about the final days of renowned Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart. The film premiered earlier this year at the Berlin International Film Festival, where Andrew Scott earned an award for his supporting role, adding to two nominations the movie received.
A Longstanding Partnership Between Director and Actor
This latest project continues the longstanding creative partnership between Linklater and Hawke, who have previously collaborated on critically acclaimed films such as the Before trilogy, Boyhood, and Waking Life. Despite their established reputation, Linklater recently shared in a Variety interview how challenging and uncertain the filmmaking process remains for him:
“There’s pressure enough… just to see how films come together. Each one’s a miracle. I don’t know how films get made. I just feel like each time I get lucky and this happens. It’s hard, but it’s not real until it’s real.”
—Richard Linklater, Director
Their reunion after over a decade since Boyhood highlights the unique nature of their collaboration, underscoring how meaningful it is for these two creatives to work together once more.
Plot Details and Key Cast Members
Blue Moon centers on Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, navigating his struggles with alcoholism and mental health during the night of the opening of the hit musical Oklahoma! Hart’s former collaborator, Richard Rodgers, played by Andrew Scott, serves as an important figure in the narrative.
The story is set predominantly on March 31, 1943, within Sardi’s, the iconic New York bar. Bobby Cannavale takes on the role of the bartender who attempts to support Hart by refusing to serve him more alcohol while listening to his troubles.
The ensemble cast also features Margaret Qualley, Jonah Lees, Simon Delaney, Cillian Sullivan, Patrick Kennedy, and John Doran. The screenplay is penned by Robert Kaplow, and alongside Linklater, producers include Mike Blizzard, Joshua A. Foster, and John Sloss.
Release Schedule and Studio Details
Blue Moon is set for a limited theatrical release by Sony Pictures Classics in New York and Los Angeles on October 17. The film will then expand to theaters nationwide starting October 24, allowing a wider audience to experience this intimate portrayal of Hart’s final days.
Significance of the Film and Its Impact
This biopic sheds light on the life of Lorenz Hart, a gifted lyricist whose struggles with addiction and emotional turmoil contrasted sharply with his professional successes. By focusing on a single poignant night in 1943, the film offers a reflective and heartfelt exploration of mental health within the demanding world of Broadway.
With Ethan Hawke’s thoughtful performance and Richard Linklater’s meticulous direction, Blue Moon adds a meaningful chapter to the body of musical biographical films. Its release later this year promises to stimulate conversations about creativity, personal hardship, and resilience in the arts, while also marking another significant collaboration for two influential filmmakers.
