BLUE MOON 2025
by
Richard Linklater
A successful Hollywood lyricist now in doldrums of his career spends an evening watching the premier of a musical written by his replacement and composed by his erstwhile partner. When it becomes too 'sentimental' for his artistic taste, he escapes to a nearby bar, where he gets into a conversation with the barkeep, a GI-playing-piano and author E.W. White.
Lorenz Hart's manner is glib, but he carries a sense of hurt. His alcoholism and depression have put paid to the legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers, who still respects Hart's talent but has become weary of his unprofessionalism. They do have some issues regarding their artistic direction as well. While Hart finds 'sentimental' as inferior and unintelligent, Rodgers finds that it sometimes works.
Hart, now 47, also confesses to being hopelessly in love with a 20-year-old beauty. There are rumours about his homosexuality. He himself claims to be 'omnisexual'. Hart is struck with thunderbolt. She confides in him but does not love him 'in that way', a nightmarish situation for him. Rodgers wants to work with him, but on his terms rather than Hart's. His career has plateaued. His infatuation has not been reciprocated, not even seriously appreciated. Hart is heartbroken. Sober for many months, tonight he has relapsed. The film begins with his death as a beaten, broken drunk, seven months later. We know that this is the night that has broken him.
Ethan Hawke has given a brilliant performance as a cornered mouse, but I see a lot of Jack Nicholson oozing out in every frame. Andrew Scott is reliable as Richard Rodgers. Bobby Cannavale plays the perfect barkeep, a friend and confidant to Hart. Margaret Qualley is too statuesque and gorgeous in contrast to the mousy Hart. This is a very engaging film, one which Linklater postponed for a decade so that Hawke could grow up to play the character. Ethan Hawke is a worthy Academy nomination for Best Actor, but not quite a favourite to win.
#bluemoon #lorenzhart #richardlinklater #bobbycannavale #andrewscott #bestactor #ethanhawke
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