Film Review – Blue Moon (2025)

      Blue Moon, 2025.

      Directed by Richard Linklater.

      Starring Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, Bobby Cannavale, and Margaret Qualley.

      SYNOPSIS:

      The film narrates Lorenz Hart's battle with alcoholism and mental health as he strives to maintain his composure during the premiere of “Oklahoma!”. Rodgers and Hart constituted one of the major songwriting duos in the Great American Songbook for over two decades, crafting classics such as ‘The Lady Is a Tramp’, ‘Manhattan’, ‘My Funny Valentine’, and ‘Blue Moon’. While their songs continue to be beloved, their story is not as widely recognized. Richard Linklater now casts light on the latter part of Hart’s life, tracking him through an evening that coincides with the opening of Oklahoma!, which marked the beginning of a significant collaboration between Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, a competing songwriter.

      Ethan Hawke, a frequent collaborator with Linklater, portrays the 5ft Larry, often appearing nearly unrecognizable. We find him entertaining patrons at a Manhattan bar, where a celebration for the opening night of the show will later take place. The film opens with a vibrant twenty-minute sequence filled with witty dialogue from Hart, reminiscing about the deterioration of his partnership with Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and his unbidden affection for Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley).

      Much of the film centers on Larry drinking and conversing with bartender Eddie; however, their exchanges remain dynamic and poignant rather than monotonous. Here is a man at the pinnacle of his career, yet he has never attained the joy that his music has provided to others. Hawke skillfully navigates between moments of humor and sorrow, often within the same scene.

      Andrew Scott received the Best Supporting award at Berlin, and though his part is significantly smaller than Hawke’s, their interactions are electrifying. Rodgers lingers in the background like a haunting figure, longing for a more stable working relationship now that he has a family, previously sidetracked by the mayhem that Larry induces. Their chemistry is compelling, making it easy for the audience to perceive their long-standing collaborative history, now severely strained due to Hart’s heavy drinking and other habits.

      By primarily setting the story in a single location, it adopts a theatrical structure that may resonate differently with viewers, yet it fits the themes well and feels reminiscent of mid-century stage productions at times. Most of the soundtrack features melodies from the Rodgers and Hart songbook, with gentle piano tunes enveloping the bar and its weary patrons.

      Blue Moon reaffirms the strong compatibility between Linklater and Ethan Hawke; while distinct from their previous collaborations in the Before Trilogy or Boyhood, it is still remarkable. Hawke delivers an outstanding performance that could very likely be central to the awards discussions. Even those who are less acquainted with 1940s musical theater will find themselves captivated by Linklater’s deeply human and melancholic portrayal of Lorenz Hart’s final days. It stands as one of his finest films, more than adequately honoring its subject.

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

      Chris Connor