What It’s About
Months before his death in November 1943, famed lyricist Lorenz Hart (Hawke) swallows his pride to attend opening night of the landmark Broadway musical, “Oklahoma!”, his former partner Richard Rodgers’ first collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II (Delaney). Sitting at Sardi’s, Hart reminisces with bartender Eddie (Cannavale) and gushes over his platonic romance with beguiling Yale student Elizabeth Weiland (Qualley). His health and career broken by alcoholism, Hart clings to the idea of a Rodgers and Hart reunion. Later, when Rodgers (Scott) shows up, he keeps Hart at arm’s length, alternating between affection and frustration.
Why We Love It
In “Blue Moon”, Linklater delivers a sad, affecting tribute to a brilliant but broken man. He films this almost like a one-act play, over one fateful night at Sardi’s. The whole cast delivers, particularly Cannavale and Qualley, but the unrecognizable Hawke is the whole show, making us see the loneliness underneath the clever repartee. Both exceedingly short and a closeted gay, Hart’s famous wit could never offset his feeling of being apart and alone, fueling his need to drink. With touches of humor and heartbreak, “Blue Moon” does this legend full justice.