Blue Moon at 2025 Berlin International Film Festival
Blue Moon is set to hit theaters at a date yet to be determined. This review comes after a screening at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival. Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, while supposedly a biopic of famed Broadway songwriter Lorenz Hart, actually takes place over a single evening in 1943. Despite its stage-like presentation, the film bursts with cinematic energy, particularly around Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the verbose, balding, five-foot-nothing Hart.
Robert Kaplow’s screenplay delves into the real and rumored events of one of Broadway’s most infamous evenings: the opening night of Oklahoma! where Hart’s former creative partner, Richard Rodgers (played by Andrew Scott), began his iconic collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein. Hart, on the other hand, found solace in a bottle at the afterparty at Sardi’s. Despite the condensed timeline, the film manages to unfold deep lives, histories, and relationships through fleeting interactions.
Unpacking the Story of Blue Moon
Linklater’s film does not require prior knowledge of Hart to be engaging. The essentials are neatly summarized early on, making it accessible to all viewers. Hart, though part of the brilliant duo “Rodgers and Hart,” struggles with the shadow cast by the more successful duo “Rodgers and Hammerstein.” Hawke brings Hart to life as a complex character, charming yet condescending, especially noticeable in his interactions at Sardi’s.
- There, Hart eagerly awaits the arrival of his protégé, Elizabeth Weiland, with whom he shares a complicated dynamic.
- As the evening progresses, Hart’s companions at the bar begin to reflect different aspects of his personality, creating a rich tapestry of characters.
“Blue Moon” is a testament to Hart’s ability to convey love through words, despite his own struggles with love. The film’s dialogue-heavy nature showcases Hawke’s impeccable delivery and Linklater’s masterful handling of the camera, creating a captivating momentum that carries through the entire film.
Ethan Hawke’s Performance in Blue Moon
Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Hart is mesmerizing, capturing the essence of a man torn between adoration and self-loathing. His performance, coupled with Scott’s portrayal of Rodgers, adds depth to their complicated relationship. The film explores themes of art, identity, and antisemitism, offering a poignant reflection on the power of creative expression amidst personal turmoil.