Richard Linklater’s film Ethan Hawke Blue Moon premieres this weekend amid stiff competition from titles like Scott Derrickson’s Black Phone 2, Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, and Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt. Despite the crowded release schedule, Blue Moon deserves attention for its compelling storytelling and strong performances.
Blue Moon garnered critical acclaim at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year and has since captivated audiences across the festival circuit. The narrative focuses on celebrated composer Lorenz Hart as he navigates the decline of his career on the opening night of his former partner’s musical, Oklahoma!. This intimate portrayal offers a poignant exploration of artistic legacy and personal reflection.
A Unique Retelling of a Musical Theater Legend’s Journey
Instead of the conventional biopic approach, Blue Moon centers on Lorenz Hart’s perspective following the end of his partnership with Richard Rogers, who together shaped musical theater in the 1930s and 1940s. The film takes place over a single night, capturing Hart’s introspection in his familiar bar as Rogers arrives to celebrate his new play’s debut. While the specific events of this evening are imagined, the historical significance of the duo is firmly rooted in reality.
This narrative framing allows Blue Moon to serve as a heartfelt homage to the musical theater world without becoming a traditional musical itself. The movie reflects on the fleeting nature of success and artistic collaboration, offering a textured, emotional experience that resonates both with fans of the art form and general viewers alike.
The Reunion of Linklater and Hawke Rekindles Creative Magic
Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke reunite for the first time since 2014’s Boyhood, continuing a creative partnership that began with the Before Sunrise trilogy in 1995 and concluded in 2013. This reunion proves their chemistry remains undeniable, with Hawke embodying Hart’s complexities through demanding and nuanced long-form dialogue, a hallmark of Linklater’s films.
Blue Moon relies heavily on Hawke’s ability to carry a verbose and introspective script, a task he accomplishes with remarkable energy and conviction. Their mutual understanding of each other’s artistic sensibilities elevates the film, particularly given how central the actor-writer collaboration is to bringing Hart’s story to life.
Robert Kaplow’s Screenplay Delivers Depth and Emotional Impact
While Linklater is known for richly crafted scripts exploring themes like love, loss, and nostalgia, he entrusted Blue Moon’s screenplay to Robert Kaplow, acclaimed author of Me and Orson Welles. Kaplow transforms the real-life story of Lorenz Hart into a powerful examination of the sacrifices artists endure, capturing the emotional weight that creative genius can impose.
Given Linklater’s history of multiple Oscar nominations for writing—including for Before Sunset, Before Midnight, and Boyhood—Kaplow’s involvement adds a layer of prestige and potential awards consideration. The screenplay’s intensity and emotional depth may well position Blue Moon as a dark horse contender during awards season.
A Musical Score That Evokes Heartache and Nostalgia
Music is integral to Blue Moon’s narrative, requiring a score that mirrors the emotional texture of Hart and Rogers’ compositions. Graham Reynolds, Linklater’s frequent collaborator, delivers a haunting and evocative soundtrack that enhances the film’s introspective mood. His work on Blue Moon stands out as one of his most enchanting contributions, using jazz-inflected melodies to embody the protagonist’s inner turmoil.
Reynolds’ previous collaborations with Linklater on projects like Before Midnight and Hit Man illustrate a strong creative bond, which significantly benefits Blue Moon’s atmospheric tone and storytelling rhythm.
An Engaging Watch for Musical Theater Enthusiasts and Newcomers Alike
Though accessible to a broad audience, the film holds special appeal for those familiar with the works of Rodgers and Hart. Blue Moon weaves subtle references and thematic elements that enrich the experience without alienating viewers unfamiliar with musical theater history.
By focusing on universal feelings of artistic worth and the observation of success in others, the movie transforms a specific moment in theatrical history into a relatable and heartfelt story. Its pride in celebrating musical theater shines through without becoming insular, offering a vivid portrayal that fans are sure to appreciate.
Standout Performances Elevate the Film’s Emotional Core
While Linklater’s direction and Kaplow’s screenplay provide a solid foundation, the performances at the heart of Blue Moon bring its story to life with undeniable charm. Ethan Hawke delivers one of his most daring and nuanced performances, fully inhabiting the role of Lorenz Hart amid a demanding script.
Supporting Hawke are Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland and Andrew Scott portraying Richard Rogers, each bringing dimension to Hart’s character and playing essential roles in advancing the narrative. Qualley and Scott’s portrayals amplify the emotional stakes and insights into Hart’s personality, making the ensemble work crucial to the film’s overall impact.
Hawke’s compelling turn is particularly noteworthy, especially considering he faces competition at the box office this weekend with the release of Black Phone 2, in which he also stars. This parallel release could affect Blue Moon’s visibility, but Hawke’s performance remains a central highlight.
Potential for Recognition at the Upcoming Academy Awards
Despite its challenging box office context, Blue Moon has a genuine chance to become a surprise contender during the Oscars. The film’s favorable response on the festival circuit suggests it could resonate with a wider audience, and its genre—historical biopic—has traditionally fared well with the Academy.
Richard Linklater’s established track record with the Oscars, combined with the film’s strong creative team and performances, positions it well for recognition. While the film may not have the momentum to compete for Best Picture at this stage, the possibility of Ethan Hawke receiving a Best Actor nomination remains plausible. Additionally, Andrew Scott’s Silver Bear win for Best Supporting Performance at Berlin underlines the strength of the cast’s potential as awards favorites.
Blue Moon Cast Highlights
Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart: Hawke takes center stage, delivering a mesmerizing portrayal of the troubled composer reflecting on his career and legacy.
Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland: Qualley provides nuanced support as an important figure influencing Hart’s journey.
Andrew Scott as Richard Rogers: Scott embodies Hart’s former partner, capturing the complexity of their professional and personal relationship.
