Ethan Hawke Transforms into Troubled Lyricist Lorenz Hart in New Film “Blue Moon”

Ethan Hawke stars as legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart in a new film from director Richard Linklater. The movie, titled “Blue Moon,” dramatizes a fictional final night in the life of the Broadway icon. It is set entirely within the walls of New York’s famed Sardi’s restaurant. The film explores themes of creative partnership, heartbreak, and fading fame.

According to reports from the Evening Standard, the narrative unfolds on the night of the “Oklahoma!” premiere. This was the show that cemented the success of Hart’s former partner, Richard Rodgers, with his new collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein II. The setting provides a poignant backdrop for Hart’s personal reflections.

Inside the One-Night Narrative of “Blue Moon”

The film’s action is confined to a single evening. Hart, battling personal demons and professional envy, holds court at a corner table. He is surrounded by a small group of acquaintances, including a bartender and a visiting pianist.

This intimate setting allows for deep character exploration. Hawke’s portrayal captures Hart’s brilliant mind and profound vulnerability. The script, by Robert Kaplow, imagines the conversations and confessions that might have filled such a significant night.

A Story of Lost Partnership and Shifting Tides

The core of the story is the fractured relationship between Hart and Richard Rodgers. Their partnership produced some of the Great American Songbook’s most enduring tunes. These include “My Funny Valentine” and “The Lady Is a Tramp.”

Rodgers, frustrated by Hart’s unreliability, moved on to work with Hammerstein. Their first collaboration, “Oklahoma!,” became a landmark success. Hart is left to grapple with being eclipsed by his former partner, a central conflict in the film.

Standout Supporting Cast and Emotional Depth

Margaret Qualley appears as Elizabeth Weiland, a Yale student and Hart’s unrequited love interest. Her presence adds a layer of poignant longing to the story. Andrew Scott portrays Richard Rodgers, bringing a nuanced energy to their tense encounters.

Bobby Cannavale and Patrick Kennedy round out the strong supporting cast. Their interactions with Hawke’s Hart provide different perspectives on his life and legacy. The ensemble work creates a rich, human tapestry of a complex artist.

The film is a bittersweet tribute to a foundational Broadway figure. It highlights the personal cost often paid for creative genius. Ethan Hawke’s performance as Lorenz Hart is being hailed as a career highlight, capturing the tragic beauty of a man out of step with his time. This film offers a compelling look at the man behind the music.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was the real Lorenz Hart?

Lorenz Hart was a prolific lyricist and one-half of the legendary Broadway partnership Rodgers and Hart. He was known for his witty, sophisticated lyrics and collaborations on dozens of musicals in the 1920s and 1930s.

What is the film “Blue Moon” rated?

The film has not yet been officially rated. It is expected to receive an R rating for its mature themes and language, given its subject matter.

Is “Blue Moon” based on a true story?

The film is a fictionalized account inspired by the real life and letters of Lorenz Hart. It imagines the events of a single, significant night rather than documenting historical fact.

Who else stars in the movie alongside Ethan Hawke?

The cast includes Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, and Bobby Cannavale. They play key figures who interact with Hart during his night at Sardi’s.

When will “Blue Moon” be released?

An official wide release date has not yet been announced. The project is currently in post-production following its filming schedule.