Movie: Blue Moon
Running Time: 1:40
Nominated for: Leading Actor
How I watched: Prime
When it had me: How did he die at 48?
When it lost me: It's presented as a stage play
What systems does it challenge: Conformity
Ethan Hawke plays Lorenz Hart, seen here as a tragic creative who can't find acceptance because he can't practice conformity. He is bisexual (actually omnisexual, as he asserts all writers must be) refusing to conform to either acceptable heterosexuality or artistic homosexuality. He wants to write about deep, complex topics that challenge an audience and can't be seduced into the more comforting, mindless entertainment that audiences are craving, (like Oklahoma!). He's too bawdy, too needy, too satirical, too much in seemingly so many ways. I liked his character.
The whole movie was presented like it was a play. One set, minimal setups, a handful of characters and a very small feel overall. In addition to the somewhat claustrophobic feel, the acting style felt a bit affected. The actors were ready to perform on a big stage instead of a studio set. I understood the choice but I don't think I preferred the outcome.
Ethan Hawke does a good job delivering wit and moroseness in equal turns. Margaret Qualley brings charm and false modesty and a piano player treats us to more Rodgers and Hart music than we realized we knew.
The movie left me with questions about Lorenz Hart and I appreciate being left with more curiosity than boredom.
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