Ethan Hawke shines in a bewitching 'Blue Moon’

Ethan Hawke Shines in a Bewitching 'Blue Moon'

Is there a price to partnership? If “Blue Moon,” the latest film by frequent collaborators Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke, shows anything, it’s that the price can be a remarkable work of art. The film’s simplicity is elevated by a carefully crafted script and outstanding performances, earning it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Setting and Story

Based on true events, the story unfolds almost entirely on March 31, 1943, at the famous Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan. The curtain has just fallen on the triumphant opening night of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Oklahoma!” However, the atmosphere is tense for Lorenz Hart, played by Hawke, who was once Rodgers’ songwriting partner. While others celebrate a milestone in American theater, Hart faces his own struggles and inner conflicts.

Direction and Collaboration

Richard Linklater, who previously directed Hawke in “Boyhood” and the “Before” trilogy, presents a different kind of film here. Unlike his previous expansive, decade-spanning projects, this one is more contained yet equally rewarding. The distinct intellectual styles of Linklater and Hawke blend seamlessly, perfectly fitting the film’s period setting.

Visual Style and Atmosphere

The movie captivates visually, with striking lighting and stylish period costumes enhancing the ambience. Linklater’s signature intimate direction shines, as most scenes occur in a single location, lending the film a theatrical feel.

“Blue Moon” offers a finely tuned portrayal of partnership and personal struggle, deeply rooted in its historical moment.

Author’s summary: A masterful collaboration between Linklater and Hawke, “Blue Moon” delivers a powerful, visually rich drama that captures the complexities of partnership against a historic theatrical backdrop.

The Ithacan — 2025-11-03