Key Highlights
- Ethan Hawke delivers a standout performance in “Blue Moon,” a biopic of songwriter Lorenz Hart.
- The film, directed by Richard Linklater, offers a poignant look at Hart’s life and career on the cusp of his downfall.
- Hawke’s portrayal is both hilarious and deeply tragic, capturing the essence of Hart’s complex character.
A Biopic of Lorenz Hart: “Blue Moon” on VOD
Stream It Or Skip It? “Blue Moon,” a biographical drama about the life of songwriter Lorenz Hart, is currently available on various video-on-demand (VOD) platforms like Amazon Prime Video. This real-time, single-setting film provides an intimate look at Hart’s pivotal night in 1943, just months before his untimely death.
Ethan Hawke’s Stellar Performance
At the center of “Blue Moon” is a powerhouse performance by Ethan Hawke. His portrayal of Lorenz Hart is nothing short of acrobatic, conveying a dozen conflicting emotions in each line reading. From desperation to charisma, from lust to intellectualism, Hawke spins plate after plate of complex feelings for the entirety of the 100-minute runtime.
The Setting and Atmosphere
Set in Sardi’s Restaurant on New York City’s Broadway, “Blue Moon” captures a single night that serves as both a microcosm and a turning point in Hart’s life. The film opens with his death, an early morning downpour, and then jumps back to March 31, 1943, where Hart finds himself at Sardi’s after the opening of Oklahoma!, a Broadway play he didn’t write.
Hawke’s character is witty, funny, angry, sad, randy, and sober. He holds court with bartender Eddie (Bobby Cannavale), engaging in spirited conversations about various topics including Casablanca, music, and punctuation. “Oklahoma!” is a frequent target of Hart’s criticism, labeled as both a hit and a piece of shit by his standards.
Backstage Drama and Relationships
The film delves into the dynamics between Hart and his former partner Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott). They discuss their upcoming project A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, but the conversations are fraught with nostalgia, resentment, and jealousy. Rodgers is conflicted by his love for Hart, who has a history of alcoholism and unreliability.
Hart’s romantic entanglement with Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley) adds another layer to his character. Despite being less than half his age, their relationship highlights the complexity of Hart’s sexuality and its impact on his life.
Director Richard Linklater
Richard Linklater, known for films like “Boyhood” and “The Lowdown,” masterfully captures the profundity of time and the silent tragedy of its passage. His direction in “Blue Moon” is a testament to his skill at portraying pivotal moments with raw emotion.
Conclusion
“Blue Moon” is a deeply human tale that explores the highs and lows of creativity, love, and self-destruction. Ethan Hawke’s performance stands out as one of his best yet, making this film worth watching for anyone interested in great acting or backstage Broadway stories.
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