JIFF: Blue Moon

Blue Moon

“Like a backstage pass for Broadway buffs, it’s one hell of a show for those in the know and a sparkling introduction for the uninitiated.” – Variety

“Beautifully executed and fascinatingly nuanced … – The Hollywood Reporter

Ethan Hawke plays Lorenz Hart, a washed-up Jewish lyricist drowning his sorrows at notorious Broadway haunt Sardi’s on the opening night of Oklahoma!, the new musical written by his former collaborator Richard Rodgers and his new writing partner, Oscar Hammerstein II. Hart spends the night bemoaning the shifting tides and tastes in musical theatre to his fellow barflies. When the premiere afterparty fills out the bar, Hart will have to face up to his former collaborator as Rodgers soaks up glowing praise for his new Broadway hit.

Rodgers and Hart were responsible for such iconic show tunes as ‘My Funny Valentine’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and the titular ‘Blue Moon’. Director Richard Linklater (Before trilogy, Boyhood) stylishly transports us back to 1943, bringing these showbiz legends to life with a dazzling cast including Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Scott.

Rating

M

Duration

100 min

Country

Ireland, United States

Language

English

Cast

Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott

Director

Richard Linklater