Go see “Blue Moon”

Blue Moon is the new biopic of Lorenz Hart, of Rodgers & Hart fame. I saw it last night. The nearest theater to me that was showing it was a 2 hour drive away, and holy fuck was it worth every minute of that. I do not remember the last time I have been so captivated by a film.

I think this is a testament to both the writing and the acting — especially by Ethan Hawke. Now, I haven’t seen a whole lot of this year’s new films, but I think he’s gonna be a good contender for the Oscar. He was just incredible in how he brought Hart to life. The passion he oozes as his character, the intensity, the wit, the way he takes even lines that are unmemorable and makes sure you’re still clinging to his every word… I could listen to him rant about the inadequacies of Oklahoma all day.

This movie was clearly written by someone who knows their theatre. The way Hart rants about Oklahoma, the intricacies of his complaints and how he backs them up with examples, and also the way he praises shows and songs he adores… it’s just a delightful experience to witness as a musicals nerd: someone on the big screen who gets it.

Of course, any movie that includes the phrase “triple feminine rhyme” is likely gonna be a winner in my book, but I digress.

This movie is literally just Lorenz Hart at Sardi’s on the opening night of the original Oklahoma. That’s it. No flashbacks, no musical numbers or even scenes from his own shows. I spent the whole time thinking, “this would be an amazing stage play.” Not necessarily a musical, but a play. It has that same intimacy, simplicity, and depth of script that many great straight plays have. It’s a fantastic showcase of Ethan Hawke’s talents, because there is nothing to distract from his emotion and delivery.

Seriously, if you can find this movie in a theater, go see it.