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, is any indication, the price results in a remarkable creation. The film’s simplicity is elevated by a finely crafted script and outstanding performances, earning it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Setting and Story
The film, inspired by true events, takes place almost entirely on March 31, 1943, at Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan. It unfolds shortly after the triumphant opening night of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Oklahoma! However, the tone is somber for Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), Rodgers’ former songwriting partner. While others celebrate a milestone in American theater, Hart faces his own personal struggles and inner conflicts.
Direction and Performance
Richard Linklater, having directed Hawke in Boyhood and the Before trilogy—both expansive, decade-spanning projects—takes a different approach here. This film offers an intimate experience, mostly set in a single location that lends a theatrical atmosphere. The two collaborators’ distinct intellectual styles mesh perfectly, enhancing the film’s unique tone.
Visual Style
Blue Moon is visually captivating, featuring stylish lighting and period-appropriate costumes that reflect its 1940s setting. Linklater’s trademark intimate direction shines through, using limited locations to deepen the emotional impact.
“Is there a price to partnership?” “The two creatives have distinct, intellectual styles that complement each other perfectly and are well-suited for the film’s setting.” “As his peers celebrate a watershed moment for American theater, Hart must confront his own personal battles and woes.”
Author’s summary: “Blue Moon” masterfully captures the complex emotions behind creative partnerships, brought to life by stellar performances and intimate direction in a confined, evocative setting.
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