Ethan Hawke undertakes a challenging role in the drama “Blue Moon,” portraying Lorenz Hart, a famous lyricist known for ballads like “Blue Moon” and “My Funny Valentine.” Set several months before Hart’s death in November 1943, the film navigates the complex emotions of its protagonist, whose life is marred by personal turmoil.
Ethan Hawke’s Transformation for “Blue Moon”
Hawke, nearly unrecognizable in his portrayal, embodies the diminutive, balding Hart who struggles with alcoholism and hidden emotions. He describes being “hypnotized” by the script’s depth and the difficulties of representing a character vastly different from himself.
The Setting: Sardi’s Restaurant
The narrative largely unfolds at Sardi’s, a renowned theatre-district restaurant. It captures the atmosphere of the Broadway scene as Hart contemplates his life while his former partner, Richard Rodgers, finds success nearby with his new collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein II, premiering “Oklahoma!”
The Emotional Depth of Hart’s Character
- Internal Struggles: Hart grapples with feelings of inadequacy and heartbreak, encapsulated in the line: “Nobody ever loved me that much.” This reflects his inability to accept love from others.
- Closeted Sexuality: The film explores Hart’s relationships, particularly a romance with a younger protege, played by Margaret Qualley.
- Supporting Cast: Bobby Cannavale portrays a bartender who listens to Hart’s rants, while Andrew Scott and Simon Delaney play Rodgers and Hammerstein, respectively.
Richard Linklater’s Direction
Director Richard Linklater reveals that the project began over a decade ago, focusing on the decline of Hart’s career due to personal demons rather than a lack of talent. He aims to showcase both the light-hearted and tragic elements of Hart’s life.
Filming Techniques
The film’s real-time storytelling was aided by inventive staging techniques that helped transform Hawke into the character. He adopted a severe comb-over hairstyle and utilized specific movements to portray Hart’s stature and vulnerabilities.
“Blue Moon” in Theaters
Linklater mixes humor and poignancy in recounting Hart’s story, reminiscent of the witty nature of Rodgers and Hart’s compositions. “Blue Moon” is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, promising a deeply emotional and entertaining experience.
