Theatre – Matthew Liedke on Film

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).

Continue reading “REVIEW: ‘Blue Moon’ is an enchanting look at a tortured artist”

UPDATE: Since the closure, Cine 5 has reopened and is back in operation. I’m so thankful for that development. I plan to keep this piece up as a tribute to the theater and as a reminder of the importance of theaters in smaller communities.

For a film buff, living near a movie theater is a great bit of geographic luck.

That’s what I had growing up in International Falls, Minn. From when I was born until I moved away for college, I never lived more than a block or two away from the local theater, the Cine 5.

Sadly, like I’ve done twice already on this site, I’m having to write a farewell piece to place I spent countless hours and created numerous memories. The Cine 5 closed recently, marking the end of another theater that I attended.

Continue reading “The End of the Beginning: My hometown theater, Cine 5, closes”