Step into the dramatic world of Broadway legend Lorenz Hart with Richard Linklater’s highly anticipated film, “Blue Moon.” Starring a transformed Ethan Hawke, this musical dramedy offers an intimate look at Hart’s tumultuous final days, capturing his brilliance and heartbreak against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in musical theater history.
Filmmaker Richard Linklater and actor Ethan Hawke, a dynamic duo known for their nine collaborations including the acclaimed Before trilogy and Boyhood, reunite for a profound musical dramedy titled Blue Moon. This latest venture promises to be a deeply immersive experience, delving into the life of legendary Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, one half of the iconic Rodgers and Hart songwriting team.
The film, which premiered at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, has already garnered significant buzz, particularly for Hawke’s astonishing transformation. Fans of classic Broadway and compelling biopics will find themselves drawn into this poignant narrative, exploring the complexities of artistic genius and personal struggle.
Is ‘Blue Moon’ Based on a True Story?
While Blue Moon vividly portrays real-world figures and historical events, it is important to note that the film is a fictionalized biopic. Written by novelist Robert Kaplow, the narrative dramatizes the life of Lorenz Hart and his partnership with Richard Rodgers. This approach allows for a deep emotional exploration while grounding the story in historical fact.
The Story Behind the Moonlight
The film primarily unfolds on a single, fateful evening: March 31, 1943. This date marks the opening night of Oklahoma!, the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and his new lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein II. The setting is the iconic New York City restaurant Sardi’s, where an after-party is in full swing, celebrating the debut of what would become a Broadway classic.
Amidst the triumph, Lorenz Hart finds himself at the bar, grappling with shattered self-confidence and a deepening depression. He observes his former partner’s burgeoning success, a stark contrast to his own struggles with alcoholism and mental health. Hart spends the evening exchanging witty banter and gossip with the barman and pianist, all while anxiously awaiting the arrival of Elizabeth Weiland, the younger object of his affection.
The film captures Hart’s desperate attempts to cling to the past and put on a brave face, even as he recognizes Oklahoma! as a turning point that marks his personal and professional decline.
Ethan Hawke’s Transformative Performance
Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lorenz Hart is hailed as one of his most transformative and Oscar-worthy performances to date. To embody the 5’2″ lyricist, Hawke underwent a significant physical change, shaving his head, donning an unflattering combover, and wearing brown contact lenses. This commitment to the role extended beyond physical appearance, as he delved into Hart’s complex emotional landscape.
Hawke reflected on Linklater’s directorial approach to The Wrap, stating, “If you’re directed by the same person several times, they kind of know your entire arsenal, your whole toolkit. And Rick was basically like, ‘I don’t want you to use any tool you’ve ever used before.’ He robbed me of my vanity. He robbed me of everything.” This collaboration pushed Hawke to explore new dimensions of his craft.
On Hart’s inner turmoil, Hawke told IndieWire, “He’s heartbroken about Rodgers. He’s setting himself up, and he’s distracting himself that he’s in love with this young woman [Qualley], and he’s not even heterosexual. But he can’t deal with the real pain that’s happening. He can’t look at it for a second. That movie is about a man who died of heartbreak. The alcohol was part of his sadness, the pain was too great to suffer without it.”
The Stellar Ensemble Cast
Beyond Hawke’s central role, Blue Moon features a stellar cast that brings this historical drama to life:
Andrew Scott as Richard Rodgers: Hart’s former songwriting partner, Rodgers, is portrayed by the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Irish actor, Andrew Scott. His nuanced performance earned him the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival.
Andrew Scott delivers an award-winning performance as Richard Rodgers in Blue Moon. Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland: Qualley plays Hart’s latest muse and college crush, Elizabeth Weiland. Reflecting on the experience, Qualley shared with IndieWire that working with Linklater and Hawke was “life-changing.”
Bobby Cannavale as Eddie: The talented Bobby Cannavale takes on the role of Eddie, the bartender at Sardi’s, who serves as a confidant to Hart.
Bobby Cannavale brings his characteristic charm to the role of Eddie in Blue Moon. Jonah Lees as Morty Rifkin: Lees portrays Morty Rifkin, the pianist at Sardi’s, adding another layer to the intimate barroom setting.
Jonah Lees as Morty Rifkin, the Sardi’s pianist in Blue Moon. Simon Delaney as Oscar Hammerstein II: Delaney steps into the shoes of the legendary lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers’ new collaborator.
Simon Delaney as the iconic Oscar Hammerstein II. Patrick Kennedy as E.B. White: Kennedy appears as the renowned writer E.B. White.
Patrick Kennedy as E.B. White. Cillian Sullivan as Stephen Sondheim: The film also includes Cillian Sullivan portraying a young Stephen Sondheim, hinting at the future of Broadway.
Cillian Sullivan as a young Stephen Sondheim.
Rodgers and Hart: A Broadway Legacy
Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers formed one of Broadway’s most successful songwriting duos, creating lyrics and music for 26 Broadway musicals over two decades. Their collaborations yielded timeless hits such as Pal Joey, A Connecticut Yankee, The Boys from Syracuse, On Your Toes, and Babes in Arms. Their 1934 ballad, “Blue Moon,” lent its title to Linklater’s film, a poignant nod to their enduring legacy.
The film captures the painful period when their partnership concluded, and Richard Rodgers moved on to a highly successful collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II, creating musicals like South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Accolades
Despite its quintessential New York City setting, Blue Moon was primarily filmed in Dublin, Ireland. This choice was influenced by Ireland’s appealing film tax credits and strong local production support from Wild Atlantic Pictures. The production team meticulously recreated the interior of Sardi’s in Dublin and County Wicklow, ensuring an authentic backdrop for the period piece.
The film’s journey to the screen has been a decade in the making, with Linklater, Hawke, and writer Robert Kaplow developing the story for over ten years. Sony Pictures Classics acquired the worldwide distribution rights, recognizing the film’s potential for global reach.
Blue Moon made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in 2025, where it was screened in competition. It was nominated for the Golden Berlin Bear for Best Film and saw Andrew Scott take home the Silver Berlin Bear for Best Supporting Performance. Critically, the film holds a remarkable 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising its “wonderful performance by Ethan Hawke as he embodies a man hanging on by a thread while the audience hangs on to every word said.”
With its limited theatrical release scheduled for October 17, followed by a wide release on October 24, Blue Moon is poised to be a captivating cinematic event, offering fans a deep and heartfelt look into one of Broadway’s most intriguing figures.
