Do we ever know the real story of anyone?
Blue Moon is a 2025 film that tells the story of Lorenz Hart, an American lyricist for the songwriting team, “Rodgers and Hart.” Despite his fame, Hart struggles with alcoholism and depression. On the opening night of “Oklahoma,” he struggles to save face in the celebrations.
I had the incredible privilege to watch Blue Moon at the New Hampshire Film Festival. Blue Moon is unlike any film that’s out right now. It’s a stylistic and deep look into the world of Hollywood. These are my favorite types of movies that teach us about famous figures who have been overlooked by history.
Ethan Hawke plays Lorenz Hart. I saw Black Phone 2 in the same week as this film, and I couldn’t believe it was the same Ethan Hawke. This film unveils his skilled acting talents. Hawke did his research on the real-life figure and presented a sublime performance of a complex, funny, and sad man.
Do you know what else Hawke had to do for this film? He shrank down a foot! Not really, the magic of movies made the 6-foot Hawke appear to be five feet tall. It was said to be a grueling experience.
The film stars rising actress Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland. Qualley transforms herself into any role, and it’s impressive to watch all her performances. Scenes between Hawke and Qualley are magnetic.
The film is heightened by a talented supporting cast, which includes Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, Joas Lees, Simon Delaney, Patrick Kennedy, and more. Audience members agreed that they’d love to have Bobby Cannavale as their bartender.
There was a special appearance by Aaron Weizban, the film’s producer, after the screening. He shared several secrets about the making of the movie. Learning about the behind-the-scenes of any film is always my favorite part. He called Blue Moon a special project about a personal story that has been ignored far too long.
The film spent several years in exploration before development. The nuanced script by Robert Kaplow was inspired by letters written between Hart and Weiland. Each conversation is sharp. The script is rich and bears the emotional weight Hart carries.
Richard Linklater directed the film. Linklater adapts with an intimate grace that felt theatrical yet cinematic. The tone intensifies the emotional weight of Hart’s spiraling night.
Blue Moon is one of those rare films that takes place in a single room setting, in this case, a fancy restaurant/bar. Weizban said they filmed on a closed set in Dublin, Ireland. Production almost lasted three weeks, with pre-rehearsals. It was shot in the style of a play.
In Weizban’s conversation, he called it a joy to be in New Hampshire that night, saying it was a dream to one day be in the New Hampshire Film Festival. “You can do little with a little when you’re prepared, even with multiple projects,” said Weizban. He commended Blue Moon for reminding him about why he became involved with the filmmaking world.
Film festivals make intimate spaces for movie-watching and conversations. I could feel the passion, delight, and excitement in the Music Hall Historic Theater, a beautiful theater setting.
What do we really know about famous figures from history? Blue Moon is a melancholic, atmospheric, and deeply human character study. It reminds us to keep Lorenz Hart’s legacy alive. Though subtle, Mental health is an important theme. It’s been taken more seriously since the 40s.
Blue Moon is an eloquent and beautifully acted work of cinema that I hope merits nominations and recognition. It’s a movie to experience.
