Ethan Hawke Shines in a Bewitching "Blue Moon"
Is there a cost to creative partnership? If the newest collaboration between Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke, titled "Blue Moon," is any indication, that cost results in something remarkable. The film’s simplicity is elevated by a meticulous script and outstanding performances.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Story and Setting
Inspired by true events, "Blue Moon" unfolds almost entirely on March 31, 1943, in the renowned Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan. Following the triumphant premiere of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s "Oklahoma!", the celebration contrasts with the melancholy of Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Hawke. Once Rodgers’ songwriting partner, Hart faces personal struggles as his peers rejoice in a milestone for American theater.
Direction and Collaboration
Linklater, who previously worked with Hawke on "Boyhood" and the "Before" trilogy, takes a more restrained approach here. While those earlier projects spanned years, this film’s confined setting fosters an intimate, almost stage-like atmosphere.
“The two creatives have distinct, intellectual styles that complement each other perfectly.”
The direction embraces close settings and rich dialogue, transforming the single-location premise into a deeply engaging character study.
Visual Style
"Blue Moon" dazzles visually, enhanced by elegant lighting design and stylish period costumes. The attention to historical detail enriches the film’s mood, immersing the viewer in its 1940s world while allowing Hawke’s nuanced performance to shine.
Author’s Summary
Hawke delivers a masterfully layered performance in Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” a visually rich, emotionally resonant portrayal of artistry, regret, and creative legacy.