Director Richard Linklater currently has two films making rounds at various festivals, including Blue Moon, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. This latest project examines the life of acclaimed twentieth-century lyricist Lorenz Hart, focusing on a significant moment in Broadway’s history. The Richard Linklater Blue Moon biopic centers on Hart’s complex relationships during the dawn of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s rise to fame.
In Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke portrays Lorenz Hart, known for hits like Pal Joey and A Connecticut Yankee, who also wrote the movie’s title song. Andrew Scott appears as Richard Rodgers, Hart’s longtime collaborator who would later form the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein duo. The film unfolds around the night of the opening of Oklahoma!, highlighting both Hart’s career and his personal struggles during that period.
A Challenging Opening Emphasizes Hart’s Struggles Through Lengthy Monologues
Blue Moon begins with a dramatized glimpse of Hart’s death, intending to underline his decline, before rewinding to the months leading up to the Oklahoma! premiere. Screenwriter Robert Kaplow’s script dedicates much of the early runtime to Hart’s extended monologues, which often dominate the scenes set at Sardi’s restaurant. Ethan Hawke’s physical portrayal, including making himself appear shorter to mimic Hart’s stature, initially distracts but signals attention to detail.
During these sequences, Hart engages with bartender Eddie (Bobby Cannavale) and pianist Morty (Jonah Lees), frequently dwelling on the perceived failures of Oklahoma! and his infatuation with Elizabeth, a character played by Margaret Qualley. Hawke delivers these parts with fervor, embracing Hart’s lecherous wit and fading ego, painting a portrait of a man struggling to maintain relevance.
The decision to frame the story around Oklahoma!’s opening, a milestone overshadowing Hart’s earlier success with Rodgers, adds dramatic tension. However, much of the initial dialog-heavy scenes suffer from insufficiently strong supporting characters, leaving Hart’s self-importance unchecked. The atmosphere sometimes feels stagnant, as the limited cast and confined setting resemble a stage play but lack theatrical dynamism in execution.
Character Depth Emerges as Rogers and Elizabeth Challenge Hart’s Facade
The narrative gains momentum when the Oklahoma! launch party commences, introducing Richard Rodgers, whose entrance injects new tension. Andrew Scott’s performance adds complexity, portraying a man who still cares for Hart but is clear-eyed about their ending partnership. The interactions between Hawke and Scott reveal layered emotions of admiration, rivalry, and disappointment, forming the film’s most engaging relationship.
Meanwhile, Hart’s connection with Elizabeth, brought to life by Margaret Qualley, evolves beyond superficial clichés of an older man’s desire. Qualley infuses the character with maturity and ambition, defying Hart’s assumptions and revealing a more vulnerable side to the lyricist. Their exchanges provide insight into Hart’s yearning for genuine affection rather than mere conquest.
Approaching its conclusion, Blue Moon emphasizes the vulnerability beneath Hart’s arrogance. Hawke’s performance shines as he conveys Hart’s painful realization of unreciprocated love and friendship. The final moments, where Hart is framed alone in the Sardi’s window after everyone departs, poignantly illustrate his isolation and fading glory.
Production Design and Thematic Undertones Enrich the Biographical Drama
Despite its unevenness, Blue Moon succeeds in paying homage to theater history. The depiction of Sardi’s restaurant, crafted meticulously by production designer Susie Cullen, adds warmth and authenticity to the film’s atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of a youthful Broadway icon as a subtle nod offers an easter egg-like moment for theater devotees.
While Blue Moon functions imperfectly as a straightforward character study, its insightful framing of a turning point in Hart’s life and the tension between personal ambition and impending obsolescence offer a compelling emotional core. The film’s ending leaves a lasting impression, signaling Linklater’s ability to evoke empathy for a deeply flawed figure.
Notable Performances and Release Details
Ethan Hawke delivers a strong portrayal of the complicated Hart, capturing both his charm and his darker traits. Andrew Scott’s arrival as Richard Rodgers significantly elevates the film’s energy, providing necessary counterbalance to Hawke’s intense monologues. Margaret Qualley adds dimension as Elizabeth, preventing the character from slipping into one-dimensionality.
Despite early pacing issues, the biopic’s conclusion effectively invites sympathy for Hart, moving beyond the initial frustration his character causes. Blue Moon is set for theatrical release by Sony Pictures Classics on October 17, offering audiences a reflective look at Broadway’s transformative era and the human stories behind its legends.
