Blue Moon reviews praise Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Broadway legend in Linklater’s biopic

Ethan Hawke delivers a transformative performance in Richard Linklater’s intimate biopic. Blue Moon captures Broadway legend Lorenz Hart’s final evening. Critics are praising the film’s emotional depth and Oscar-worthy acting.

🔥 Quick Facts

• Blue Moon earns 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from 60 critics
• Andrew Scott won Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival
• Film takes place on March 31, 1943 at Sardi’s Restaurant
• Released in limited theaters October 17, 2025, wide release October 24
• Marks ninth collaboration between Hawke and Linklater

Hawke Transforms Into Broadway’s Forgotten Genius

Ethan Hawke becomes nearly unrecognizable as Lorenz Hart. He portrays the legendary lyricist during his darkest hour. The actor underwent dramatic physical changes for the role. Hawke appears shorter, bald with a combover, speaking in a raspy voice. Linklater and the crew built the entire film around Hart’s theatrical devotion.
The film unfolds in real time on opening night of Oklahoma! Hart struggles with alcoholism and depression at Sardi’s bar. His former partner Richard Rodgers celebrates groundbreaking success down the street. Margaret Qualley plays Elizabeth Weiland, Hart’s unrequited love interest. Bobby Cannavale stars as Eddie the bartender who listens to Hart’s confessions.

“It was this little howl into the night of an artist being left behind. It was sad and beautiful and witty and irreverent and what a character.”

Linklater waited over 12 years to make this film. He needed Hawke to age into the role naturally. The character required someone in their mid-40s with visible weariness.

Why This Story Matters For Film Lovers

Lorenz Hart wrote some of America’s most beloved songs. “My Funny Valentine,” “Blue Moon,” and “The Lady Is a Tramp” remain cultural touchstones. Hart partnered with Richard Rodgers for over 20 years. The duo created 26 Broadway musicals and approximately 1,000 songs together. Their works included Pal Joey, Babes in Arms, and On Your Toes.
The film explores artistic breakup between creative partners. Hart watches Rodgers achieve new heights with Oscar Hammerstein II. This partnership would create The Sound of Music and The King and I.
Blue Moon resonates because creative collaboration remains fragile. You see yourself in Hart’s desperate clinging to past success. Hawke describes it as watching “a human being die of a heartbreak in 90 minutes.”
Hart died eight months after Oklahoma!’s premiere in November 1943. He was only 48 years old when pneumonia took him. His songs have outlived him by eight decades.

Behind The Scenes: A Decade-Long Collaboration

Robert Kaplow wrote the screenplay based on correspondence he discovered. The script focuses on Hart’s infatuation with 20-year-old Yale student Elizabeth Weiland. Hart was gay but not openly during a time when same-sex relationships were criminalized.
Principal photography took place in Dublin from July to September 2024. Graham Reynolds composed the score after working on several Linklater films. Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide distribution rights as co-financier.

The film takes place almost entirely inside Sardi’s Restaurant. Linklater uses confined spaces to keep the talkie visually compelling. Robert Kaplow’s witty screenplay elevates the chamber-piece setting.

What Critics Are Saying About Blue Moon

Blue Moon premiered at Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2025. The film earned two nominations and won one major award. Rotten Tomatoes shows 92% approval from 60 critics.
Metacritic assigned a score of 78 out of 100. This indicates “generally favorable” reviews from top critics. The site’s consensus praises Hawke’s wonderful performance.
Early Oscar buzz surrounds Hawke’s transformative turn. Awards season prognosticators mention him as a contender. Denzel Washington once told Hawke that losing early means future wins matter more. Hawke hasn’t won despite four nominations spanning two decades.

• Performance highlights: Hawke conveys despair through subtle touches and mannerisms
• Direction praise: Linklater creates intimacy within single-location constraints effectively
• Screenplay strength: Witty dialogue balances heartbreak with moments of humor
• Supporting cast: Scott and Qualley deliver compelling performances alongside Hawke
• Musical authenticity: Film honors Hart’s legacy without glorifying his self-destruction

Critics note the film won’t work for everyone. Some find the dialogue-heavy approach challenging. Others praise it as Linklater’s most emotionally layered work yet.

Will Blue Moon Become An Oscar Contender?

Blue Moon positions itself as serious awards season competition. Sony Pictures Classics specializes in distributing prestige films. The limited release strategy targets awards voters first.
The film opened in New York and Los Angeles on October 17. It expands to approximately 500 theaters on October 24. This rollout mirrors successful Oscar campaigns from previous years.
Hawke and Linklater’s collaboration spans 30 years since Before Sunrise. They created the Before trilogy, Boyhood, and numerous other acclaimed films. Their intimate knowledge adds poignant depth to Blue Moon.
The film faces stiff competition from other fall releases. Paul Thomas Anderson and Guillermo del Toro also have contenders. Yet Blue Moon’s critical acclaim gives it strong positioning.
Will Hawke finally win his first Oscar? Does the Academy value chamber pieces over spectacle? Can a dialogue-driven biopic break through crowded fields? These questions will define the next few months.

Sources

• Wikipedia – Blue Moon film production details and critical reception
• NPR – Exclusive interview with Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke
• Variety – Behind-the-scenes production insights and awards analysis

Daniel Harris

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.