Film Review – Blue Moon (2025)

      **Blue Moon, 2025**

      Directed by Richard Linklater

      Starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, Jonah Lees, Simon Delaney, Cillian O’Sullivan, Patrick Kennedy, John Doran, Caitríona Ennis, Ian Dillon, Brian Briggs, Giles Surridge, and Ray Weafer.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      The film explores Lorenz Hart's battles with alcoholism and mental health as he struggles to maintain his composure on the opening night of “Oklahoma!“ Set in a single location, it provides a one-night glimpse into the life of Broadway songwriter Lorenz Hart, now an alcoholic at 42 (previously part of the duo Rodgers and Hart). He sits in a bar, bitterly lamenting the merits of *Oklahoma!* while attempting to uphold a friendly demeanor at the after-party. This esoteric narrative is elevated by director Richard Linklater, who, drawing from Robert Kaplow’s sharp script, offers a thoughtful examination of jealousy and insecurity that never fully overwhelms Hart's rationality.

      The film presents a fast-paced sensory experience, anchored by Ethan Hawke’s remarkable performance (which employs optical tricks to alter his height and an impressively unappealing hairpiece that captures attention). He masterfully balances intelligent humor, romantic illusions, self-awareness of his shortcomings, and insightful critiques of theater and art, enhancing each line with various tics and choices. Regardless of prior opinions about theater, Hawke’s compelling portrayal makes Hart's story undeniably fascinating.

      Linklater, in collaboration with cinematographer Shane F. Kelly, keeps the camera actively moving, preventing the film from feeling like a static stage play. Various characters interact with Hart, providing context for his mental struggles before alcoholism ultimately claimed his life—an event that the film opens with before shifting to the past.

      Key characters include a supportive bartender (Bobby Cannavale), Hart's former songwriting partner Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott), whose career decisions have created tension between them, along with party guests like the mayor, and crucially, a crush from Hart's past, Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley). Elizabeth is perceptive and develops a bond with Hart, much of their dialogue seemingly drawn from real correspondence.

      Simply stated, Hart grapples with the success of *Oklahoma!* while maintaining a genial demeanor with those he feels betrayed by, as he believes tonight will lead to an intimate moment with Elizabeth. During a previous vacation, he had a chance that didn’t align with her timing. Hart's deep admiration for her suggests a potentially one-sided dynamic; one can sense that this relationship may not unfold as he envisions, as he speaks of her as if she is his sole purpose.

      Throughout *Blue Moon*, we witness a series of incisive exchanges where the characters confront each other, peeling back layers of emotional truth. Despite his occasional cluelessness about his relationship with Elizabeth, Hart displays a self-awareness and candidness about his life and dwindling future. With the evident understanding that his time is limited, each interaction becomes rich with layered meaning.

      Viewer reception may differ depending on one's affinity for the theater or Lorenz Hart, but this film is likely to leave an impression, even if it doesn’t fully deliver the emotional punch for all viewers. In a distinguished career, this performance by Ethan Hawke stands out prominently.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★**

      *Robert Kojder*