Raise a glass of Blue Moon to this one, because its charm earns a toast.
A film mostly in a single location, “Blue Moon” centers on lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), a musician known for hits on Broadway and the song that shares the film’s name. Hart begins the film at the opening night for the production of “Oklahoma” before going to a nearby lounge where an after-show party will be taking place.
While there, he begins speaking with others at the establishment, from the bartender Eddie (Bobby Cannavale) to American author E.B. White. As the night progresses, he shares his vision of where music should go, his creative clashes with former partner Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and his infatuation with a young woman he made a connection with, Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley).
The tale of the misunderstood, troubled artist can make for effective, memorable cinema, exploring themes of ego, passion, vision and isolation. This has been seen in both fictional works like 2013’s “Inside Llewyn Davis,” and true stories, such as 2018’s “At Eternity’s Gate,” which centered on Vincent van Gogh.
“Blue Moon” is another such movie, relying on an impressive script and careful direction to peer into a sliver of Lorenz’s life and create a complex portrait. A dialogue heavy picture, every conversation featured throughout this movie feels purposeful, meaningful and, overall, dissects the many aspects of Lorenz.
Through the rich interactions the musician has with those around him at the lounge, an audience comes to understand his pride, bitterness, dedication and appreciation of art when it comes to his career. As a closeted gay man, a viewer also comes to empathize with his insecure nature about sexuality and longing for a connection with someone.
All of this is done by having the film flow through a carefully crafted stream of interactions Lorenz has with other characters. While some are more impactful than others, such as his conversation with Richard Rogers, each one is, in their own way, captivating.
Making a lot of this works was the man at the center of it all, Ethan Hawke. He absolutely embodies every part of Hart. At times, the character is delightful, in others desperate, and in some depressed. The Academy Award nominee is masterful in portraying these aspects of the character and more.
This is the type of role that should be commanding all the attention on screen, and Hawke pulls it off. However, he isn’t the only star shining here. Supporting cast members Qualley, Cannavale, Scott and Kennedy are all really strong here. Cannavale’s empathetic bartender and Qualley’s alluring character Elizabeth are both great, while Scott is fantastic as the conflicted work partner Rodgers.
The look of the movie is also very appealing. There are several soft camera movements, following the characters as their conversations progress. Shane Kelly, who partnered with director Richard Linklater previously with 2014’s “Boyhood,” does splendid work, mixing close-ups, medium close-ups and medium shots with every bit of banter, giving them a sense of elegant intimacy.
“Blue Moon” is a return to form for Linklater, with this being his best work since 2017’s “Last Flag Flying.” Though the movie does ultimately feel a bit limited in scope with a simple 100-minute runtime, its superb cast, exceptional visual style and wonderful dialogue make this one a winner. 4.65 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 