Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater share one of the most admired actor–director collaborations in modern cinema. Their work together has produced some of the most celebrated films of the past three decades, shaping an artistic bond that feels both organic and remarkably rare in Hollywood. Starting in the early 1990s after Linklater cast Hawke upon seeing him perform in a New York play, the two have continued to create films that explore human relationships with honesty and emotional depth.
Through the “Before” trilogy, the groundbreaking 12-year project Boyhood, and genre-bending films like Tape and Waking Life, Hawke and Linklater have crafted stories with an intimacy that audiences immediately recognize. But with their ninth collaboration, Blue Moon, the pair turns their attention toward the end of a creative partnership — not their own, but that of two legendary musical figures whose bond shaped the American songbook.
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A Story Decades in the Making
The idea behind Blue Moon has been with Linklater and Hawke for more than 12 years. Written by Robert Kaplow and directed by Linklater, the film examines the unraveling relationship between lyricist Lorenz “Larry” Hart and his longtime partner, composer Richard Rodgers. Premiering in theaters this Friday, the film is set on the opening night of Oklahoma!, the first major collaboration between Rodgers and his new partner, Oscar Hammerstein II.
Hawke takes on the role of Hart — a brilliant yet troubled lyricist who unexpectedly shows up at the after-party at Sardi’s restaurant. His arrival sparks emotional tension as he confronts Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and the reality that his former partner has moved on creatively and personally.
Rodgers & Hart: A Genius Collaboration
Between 1919 and 1943, Rodgers and Hart co-created some of the most iconic songs in American music history. Their body of work includes beloved classics like:
- “My Funny Valentine”
- “The Lady Is a Tramp”
- “Isn’t It Romantic?”
- “My Heart Stood Still”
- “Manhattan”
- “Bewitched”
- “Blue Moon”
Their partnership produced more than a thousand songs and helped define the sound of musical theater in the early 20th century. Yet behind the success was an emotional complexity — one that makes their eventual breakup feel as painful as a romantic split.
Hawke delivers one of the strongest performances of his career as Hart, showcasing the lyricist’s brilliance, insecurity, addiction, and lifelong struggle with identity. Many early viewers predict this role may earn Hawke his third acting nomination at the Oscars.
The Pain of Artistic Separation
Linklater notes that many films portray romantic breakups, yet very few examine the dissolution of an artistic partnership — a relationship that can be just as intimate, influential, and emotionally charged.
“We always talked about this film as a little howl into the night of an artist being left behind,” Linklater said.
In Blue Moon, Hart isn’t merely losing a colleague; he’s losing the person he shared his most meaningful creative experiences with. Rodgers and Hart’s partnership was the foundation of their professional identities — a bond that elevated both men. Hawke explains that for Hart:
“The relationship with Rodgers is the most important relationship in his life. It’s almost beyond a lover.”
Losing Rodgers means losing stability, confidence, and emotional grounding. The pain of that loss becomes the driving force behind Hart’s downward spiral.
Why Now? Timing the Role of Larry Hart
When Linklater first shared the screenplay with Hawke more than a decade ago, he believed Hawke was too young to embody Hart during the final stage of his life.
The two continued revisiting the script every few years, refining the dialogue and deepening their understanding of Hart. Over time, Hawke researched the lyricist extensively, studying his mannerisms, his self-image, and his personal demons.
As part of Hawke’s transformation, he had to undergo drastic changes:
- A balding, thinning comb-over
- A completely new speaking style and diction
- Body language designed to show Hart’s insecurities
- A physical appearance meant to shrink his presence
Hawke describes Hart as someone who constantly feared going unnoticed unless he compensated with humor, intelligence, or wit. These characteristics became central to Hawke’s interpretation.
Exploring Hart’s Hidden Identity
Hart’s sexuality is a key emotional layer in the film. In the 1940s, being openly gay meant risking arrest, discrimination, or the complete destruction of one’s career. Hart lived in a society where authenticity came with immense danger.
Screenwriter Robert Kaplow discovered 11 letters written to Hart by a young Yale student named Elizabeth. This inspired a storyline in which Elizabeth, played by Margaret Qualley, visits Hart during the Oklahoma! after-party.
Linklater describes Hart’s closeted life as “touching but very complex.” Hawke adds that Hart’s relationship with Elizabeth represents a desperate attempt to cling to a version of himself that he wished he could be — a way to escape his struggles rather than confront them.
Hawke and Linklater: A Partnership That Endures
The irony of Blue Moon is that Hawke and Linklater’s own partnership remains as strong as ever.
Unlike Rodgers and Hart, who depended almost exclusively on each other, Hawke and Linklater have benefited from creating with many different collaborators over the years. This openness, they say, has allowed them to grow rather than collapse under pressure or routine.
Hawke explains:
“We’ve changed because having grown children changes you, time changes you, politics changes you… But the thing that probably would surprise people the most is how consistent it’s been.”
For Linklater, the secret to their longevity is simple:
“We just want to do the work. No matter what’s going on, our priority is making movies.”
Their partnership stands as a meaningful counterpoint to the tragic ending of the Rodgers-Hart relationship — a reminder that artistic bonds can evolve, deepen, and survive decades of personal change.
A Film About Loss, Legacy and Letting Go
Blue Moon is more than a biographical drama. It is a reflection on:
- The emotional cost of creativity
- The fragility of partnerships
- The weight of identity
- The loneliness of fading relevance
- The power of artistic legacy
The film highlights how even great talent cannot escape human vulnerability. Hart’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, offering a sensitive look at a man whose brilliance reshaped musical theater but whose personal struggles remained hidden beneath the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Moon about?
Blue Moon explores the final days of the iconic songwriting partnership between Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers, focusing on Hart’s emotional unraveling as he confronts his former partner’s success without him.
Who stars in the film?
Ethan Hawke plays Lorenz Hart, while Andrew Scott portrays Richard Rodgers. The cast also includes Simon Delaney and Margaret Qualley.
Is Blue Moon based on true events?
Yes. The film is inspired by the real-life partnership and breakup of Rodgers and Hart, including Hart’s struggles with addiction, insecurities, and his hidden sexuality.
Why did the Rodgers-Hart partnership end?
Hart’s personal issues — alcoholism, mental health struggles, and chronic unreliability — made working with him increasingly difficult, pushing Rodgers toward a more stable collaboration with Hammerstein.
Are Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater still working together?
Yes. Their partnership remains strong after more than 30 years, with Blue Moon marking their ninth project together.
Conclusion
Blue Moon is a haunting and beautifully crafted exploration of what happens when a creative partnership — once the center of a person’s life — comes to an end. Through Ethan Hawke’s powerful performance and Richard Linklater’s thoughtful direction, the film brings humanity, depth, and emotional truth to Lorenz Hart’s story. The movie serves as both a tribute to the brilliance of the Rodgers-Hart era and a reflection on the fragile nature of artistic relationships.
