Blue Moon is the latest film by Richard Linklater. Set on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's incredibly popular musical, Oklahoma! Ethan Hawke once again returns to collaborate with Linklater, and he plays Lorenz Hart, a legendary songwriter and half of the duo Rodgers and Hart. Taking place mainly at the bar of the restaurant Sardi's, Hart has been suffering from alcoholism and a lack of self-confidence after ending his partnership with Rodgers. As they're celebrating at the afterparty of Oklahoma!, Hart has to face his personal demons and the uncertainty of his career. Blue Moon reminds you why Linklater is a filmmaker that many people hold in a special place in their hearts.
Another terrific collaboration between Hawke and Linklater! It's no surprise Hawke is the best part of the film. He is one of the best actors of all time, so you know you're in for something special whenever he and Linklater work on a film together, especially if you've seen the Before trilogy and Boyhood. Hawke has mentioned he's been anticipating his whole life to play Hart, but the director has patiently been waiting for the right time to officially start filming Blue Moon. He's an actor who is able to bring so much profundity to his role, while also making us care about Hart and his struggles. However, Hart's personality might irritate some viewers as jarringly insufferable. The rest of the cast is also marvelous, especially Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott. Scott has won the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance during its World Premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, which makes perfect sense when you see him on screen as Richard Rodgers. He gives an incredibly mesmerizing performance, and you really do feel the tension between him and Hart.
Blue Moon is a riveting character piece. Since it mostly takes place in the same location, it feels like you're watching a play like The Whale. Robert Kaplow's screenplay has witty dialogue that keeps you invested in the narrative and the characters. The best way to describe the tone of this film is that it's a tragicomedy. Linklater makes sure the film stays tonally consistent throughout, without compromising the dramatic scenes. The second half is admittedly more compelling than the first half, as it starts to gain more momentum. Nonetheless, you're still locked in the premise and the protagonist's journey of pain and suffering.
Blue Moon is Linklater's return to form as a tremendous storyteller. Hawke is phenomenal as Hart, and Scott should also be considered for an Oscar nomination. If you want to see a great character piece with brilliant performances, you certainly do not want to miss this.
