Ethan Hawke Captures the Spirit of Brilliant Lyricist Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon

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Everyone loves Oklahoma!, the hugely popular 1943 musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein that launched the golden age of musical theater. If you can’t enjoy its cheerful songs – whether they’re about simple courtship or measuring corn with elephants – you might not have a pulse! Or, you might share a sensibility with Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers’ original and, for many, best lyricist. Hart, who sadly passed away in 1943 at just 48 years old, wrote the lyrics to classic songs like “My Funny Valentine,” “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was,” and “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered.” These songs are full of both joy and sadness, and sparkle with wit. He was a lyricist who truly understood life and love, and he captured the pain of heartbreak so we didn’t have to feel it quite so deeply.

Hart Crane faced many personal struggles, including depression, alcoholism, and unfulfilled love. He was gay, but kept that part of his life private, as was common for men of his time. Despite this sadness, he created a wealth of beautiful work, and director Richard Linklater wonderfully portrays this complex mix of darkness and light in the film Blue Moon, which focuses on the final months of Crane’s life.

Ethan Hawke plays Hart, a man struggling with sobriety who finds himself at Sardi’s, a famous Broadway bar where people gather after opening nights to await reviews. Despite trying to stay sober, Hart craves connection and warmly greets the bartender, Eddie (Bobby Cannavale), with whom he shares jokes from Casablanca. He convinces Eddie to pour him one drink, then another, and another, while sharing stories about a young woman named Elizabeth he’s hoping will join him. He’s particularly anxious because that evening, March 31, 1943, his former collaborator Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) will arrive with his new writing partner, Oscar Hammerstein (Simon Delaney). Their new musical, Oklahoma!, has just premiered, and Hart watched as much of it as he could before heading to the bar. He describes the show with obvious disdain, conveying his disapproval through exaggerated eye rolls. He sarcastically refers to it as “Oklahoma, with an exclamation point, no less.”

It’s a really sad story, honestly. Richard Rodgers finally had to fire Lorenz Hart, his longtime collaborator, because Hart’s drinking was spiraling out of control. They’d had so much success together – shows like Babes in Arms, Pal Joey, and A Connecticut Yankee were huge hits. But even Hart’s incredible lyrical talent – he was a master of rhyme, able to write things like “beans couldn’t get no keener re-/ception in a beanery” – wasn’t enough to save the partnership. Rodgers went on to team up with Oscar Hammerstein, and their show was a massive, decades-long success. Tragically, Hart passed away in November, just eight months after that opening night – a triumph Rodgers achieved with someone else. And while it was pneumonia that officially took him, his drinking undoubtedly made things much worse. It’s a real what-could-have-been situation.

Okay, so in Blue Moon, Richard Rodgers is still around, which is a nice surprise! The scene takes place while he’s anxiously waiting for the Oklahoma! crew to show up at Sardi’s. He’s griping about how the show isn’t really good – he calls it ‘fraudulent’ – but he totally knows it’s going to be a huge success. It’s a weird mix of him wanting his friend to do well, but also being a little jealous he’s not part of it. But honestly, he’s still the life of the party, always charming and full of energy. He starts chatting with another guy at the bar, E.B. White, and even gives him an idea that eventually turns into Stuart Little – how cool is that? He also complains that everyone only loves ‘Blue Moon’ and ignores all his other songs. Then Elizabeth bursts in, all energy and ambition, played by Margaret Qualley. She starts telling Hart all about a disastrous date – and he’s totally eating it up – but really, she’s just trying to get him to introduce her to Rodgers. It’s all very… complicated, but fascinating!

As Rodgers arrived, looking sharp in a black tuxedo, the ever-charming Hammerstein followed close behind. Hart rushed over, enthusiastically praising the show, and surprisingly, it seemed genuine. Rodgers graciously accepted the compliments – it was clear how much their collaboration meant to him – and offered Hart a small gesture: the chance to write new songs for A Connecticut Yankee. The contrast between Rodgers’ organized nature and Hart’s chaotic energy was immediately apparent, playing out like a quiet drama. Rodgers, though seemingly composed, appeared to be hurting just as much as Hart, perhaps even more. Scott portrays Rodgers as a man who is both successful and deeply saddened by the loss of something truly special. He looks at Hart with a gentle regret, the kind often reserved for former lovers – because sometimes work partners, especially those who create something beautiful together, can be just as close.

Blue Moon is a small but beautiful and heartfelt film. Written by Robert Kaplow (who also wrote the novel Me and Orson Welles, previously adapted by the director), it explores how sadness can inspire art, the strains alcohol can put on friendships, and the lasting power of music. It’s the kind of movie that comes from a deep connection between a director and actor – like Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater, who have collaborated successfully since their 1995 film Before Sunrise. You can feel that harmony in every scene, creating a film that is both happy and sad at the same time.

Ethan Hawke delivers a stunning performance as Lorenz Hart, portraying him as a uniquely New York artist who embodies both brilliance and sadness. Hart isn’t traditionally handsome – his attempts to hide his balding head are transparent – and he’s clearly troubled. Yet, he’s captivating; he’s observant, melancholic, and surprisingly joyful despite it all. It’s as if his disappointments have become a part of who he is, fueling his witty remarks, poignant songs, and lyrics like “Don’t change a hair for me.” Hawke masterfully captures all of these complex layers. You don’t need to be familiar with Hart’s life or work to enjoy Blue Moon and connect with its bittersweet energy. But for those who already know and love Hart’s songs and story, this film is likely to be a truly rewarding experience. Fans of Lorenz Hart, this is a must-see!

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2025-10-25 01:06