Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Blue Moon is a biographical drama about the lyricist Lorenz Hart, who worked exclusively with composer Richard Rogers from 1919 to 1943. During this time, they wrote 27 stage musicals and more than 500 songs, including Blue Moon. In 1943, Rogers broke off his partnership with Hart to work with Oscar Hammerstien on the musical Oklahoma!.
The film begins on the night of Hart’s death, then goes back to the opening night of Oklahoma! on Broadway, with Hart (Ethan Hawke) walking out of the show before it ends. He goes to Sardi’s restaurant, which is preparing for the celebration for the new play. Although he has stopped drinking, Hart sits at the bar to talk to his old friend and bartender, Eddie (Bobby Cannavale). Despite not caring for the musical, Hart admits that it will be a great success for Rogers (Andrew Scott), who collaborated on it with Hammerstein (Simon Delaney). They also discuss Hart’s stagnant career and his affinity for Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley), a woman half his age.
Since Hart is a known homosexual, Eddie takes Hart’s romantic interest in Elizabeth with a grain of salt. And as the evening progresses, Hart uses his interactions with Elizabeth as a distraction for the pending arrival of Rogers, whose entrance ushers in some drama.
Some Thoughts:
Blue Moon is made for people who have an interest in musical theater. It’s heavy on dialog and tone, so if you need action to hold your interest, stay clear of this film.
Although it’s a dramatization of a specific moment in musical theater history, it works best as a character study. I say this mostly because its primary focus is on the acting, which is excellent throughout and carries the movie. And while the script has some amusing quips and witty moments, it’s not enough to hide the fact that the story is only mildly intriguing.
While it’s obvious that Hart’s interest in Elizabeth is a way to cope with his failed business relationship with Rogers, too much time is spent on it. There are moments when his preoccupation with her becomes tedious, especially since all we want is for Rogers and Hammerstein appear. This wouldn’t be an issue if it built suspense, but it doesn’t. And sadly, it’s what keeps this film from getting five stars.
I do wish more thought had gone into the script because the entire cast work so well together. Scott and Hawke are at the top of their game, and it’s always good to see Cannavale.
The Final Verdict:
Despite its fine cast of excellent actors, Blue Moon is only worth seeing if you have an interest in Musical Theater; all others, approach with caution.