Ethan Hawke Shines in a Bewitching "Blue Moon"
Is there a price to partnership? If “Blue Moon,” the latest collaboration between Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke, is any indication, the price results in something exceptional. The film feels modest yet comes alive through a polished script and stellar performances.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A glimpse into history
Inspired by real events, the story unfolds almost entirely on March 31, 1943, within the famed Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan. That night marks the triumphant premiere of “Oklahoma!” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, yet the evening turns bittersweet for Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Hawke.
As others revel in a landmark moment for American theater, Hart faces his own inner struggles and regrets.
Creative synergy
Linklater and Hawke, who previously collaborated on Boyhood and the Before trilogy, take a more intimate approach here. While smaller in scope, Blue Moon holds deep emotional resonance for viewers. Their shared intellectual sensibilities blend seamlessly, capturing the complexity of the film’s nostalgic setting.
Style and direction
The production dazzles visually with expressive lighting and elegant period costumes. Linklater’s signature close-focus directing style thrives in this single-location narrative, giving the film a distinctly theatrical atmosphere.
Author’s Summary
This film elegantly merges historical drama with emotional introspection, showcasing Linklater and Hawke’s creative harmony in a visually rich, one-location story.