Ethan Hawke shines in a bewitching 'Blue Moon’

Ethan Hawke Shines in a Bewitching 'Blue Moon'

Is there a price to partnership? If Blue Moon, the latest film by longtime collaborators Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke, shows anything, it is that the cost yields a remarkable result. The movie is elegantly simple yet comes alive through a finely crafted script and strong performances.

Setting and Plot

Inspired by true events, the story unfolds almost entirely on March 31, 1943, at the iconic Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan. It takes place just after the triumphant opening night of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Oklahoma!. While others celebrate this milestone in American theater, Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), Rodgers’ former songwriting partner (played by Andrew Scott), faces his own personal struggles.

Direction and Style

Linklater, who previously directed Hawke in Boyhood and the Before trilogy—both spanning decades—takes a different approach here. Blue Moon is smaller in scale but equally rewarding. The collaboration highlights their complementary, intellectual styles, fitting perfectly with the film’s confined setting.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The film dazzles visually with stylish lighting and period costumes. Linklater's intimate direction is evident as the story mostly remains in one location, lending it a theatrical feel.

“Is there a price to partnership? Inspired by true events, the film is set almost exclusively on March 31, 1943, in the iconic Sardi’s restaurant in Manhattan.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Author’s Summary

This film is a beautifully crafted, intimate portrayal of creative partnership and personal conflict, anchored by Ethan Hawke’s compelling performance and Linklater’s focused direction.

The Ithacan — 2025-11-03