STORYLINE: Tells the story of Lorenz Hart’s struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of “Oklahoma!”. (IMDb)

    Throughout the years director Richard Linklater and star Ethan Hawke have collaborated on multiple films.  Their film together was Before Sunrise in 1995.  It spawned two sequels, Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).  The two collaborated on the western The Newton Boys (1998) and the sprawling drama Boyhood (2014).  The dynamic duo have, once again, reunited for Blue Moon.    

   Blue Moon sets its story in Sardi’s, a bar in New York’s theater district. With the one location set, the plot unfolds in real time, there are no time jumps to the next day and beyond.  The other interesting note about the production is the music.  There is no orchestra, playing off screen.  The music in the film is solely piano music, provided by the piano player, on screen, in the bar.  

   While all the music was centered around the piano, in the middle of the bar, Blue Moon still featured great music.  This seemed liked a natural course, seeing that the film centered around the opening of Oklahoma!, and is told from the perspective from the former collaborator of Richard Rogers.

   Of course, the film is a drama, as well.  Part of that drama comes from, Ethan Hawke’s Lorenz Hart as he struggles with alcoholism throughout the film.  Blue Moon shows how the alcoholism has effected his life, both personally and professionally.  The professional fall out from the alcoholism, is a catalyst for a bother part of the films drama. That drama is the professional fallout that has previously occurred between Hart and Rogers.  

   Blue Moon is a well made drama with many dramatic moving parts. 

   Until next time I will see you at the movies!