Blue Moon
Lorenz Hart was half of the famous Rodgers and Hart songwriting duo
The brief
Linklater turns a single evening of Broadway backstabbing into an intimate character study that moves like molasses but cuts like a knife. Ethan Hawke disappears into Lorenz Hart's boozy self-pity with the kind of lived-in desperation that makes you forget you're watching a performance, while the Sardi's setting becomes a pressure cooker of artistic jealousy and wounded pride. The whole thing unfolds in real time with Linklater's signature conversational rhythm, building tension through what people don't say rather than what they do. Perfect for anyone who loved the claustrophobic theater world dynamics of Birdman or gets excited about watching great actors chew on meaty dialogue for 100 minutes straight.
The verdict
If you're drawn to intimate character studies with stellar performances and love watching great actors explore complex emotional terrain through dialogue, this is a must-watch showcase of Linklater and Hawke at their finest. If you need plot momentum or get restless during slow-burn, talk-heavy films, you'll find this real-time Broadway drama frustratingly static despite its critical acclaim.
Watch with
- 👥 Theater lovers and drama enthusiasts
- ⚠️ Anyone expecting fast-paced entertainment
Heads up
- Heavy alcohol consumption throughout (frequent)
- Themes of depression and self-destructive behavior (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Richard Linklater
- Cast
- Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, Jonah Lees, Simon Delaney, Patrick Kennedy
Official synopsis
On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Walk the Line (2005)
Both explore tormented musical artists grappling with career struggles and personal demons.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 2h 16m = 3h 56m
