UPDATE: Ethan Hawke has just revealed vital insights about his role as Lorenz Hart in the highly anticipated film Blue Moon, collaborating once again with director Richard Linklater. This marks their ninth collaboration and promises to be one of their most intimate yet, set against the backdrop of Hart’s tumultuous life.
Hawke, speaking from New York, shared, “I love working with him. It feels more like playing in your brother’s band.” Their partnership spans nearly 30 years, evolving from casual conversations into profound cinematic experiences. The film, which recently completed shooting, is set during the opening-night party of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s musical and delves into Hart’s struggles with alcoholism as both his personal and professional life spiral out of control.
Linklater has been waiting for Hawke to reach the right age to portray Hart, who died at 48 in late 1943. “He knew we wouldn’t have much money, so we could make the movie in 15 days if we knew exactly the movie we were making,” Hawke noted. The film is based on Robert Kaplow’s acclaimed script and showcases Hawke’s dedication to portraying Hart authentically.
“What I saw in him was a complete devotion to the theatrical arts,” Hawke described, emphasizing Hart’s legacy of over 1,000 songs, including classics like “My Funny Valentine.” The actor expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “An actor’s job is to celebrate writing,” and he aims to champion the unique story of Hart’s life.
Moreover, the film requires Hawke to physically transform into Hart, including shaving his head and utilizing innovative camera techniques to create the illusion of Hart’s stature. “We inverted the equation,” Hawke joked, reflecting on the creative process that aims not just to depict Hart’s appearance but to illuminate his soul.
In a revealing moment, Hawke acknowledged the profound impact of his late friend Philip Seymour Hoffman. He stated working with Hoffman shifted his perspective on acting, pushing him to explore more diverse roles. “I realized how much he had learned from all these different parts,” Hawke reflected, crediting Hoffman for inspiring his growth as a character actor.
The urgency of Hawke’s reflections comes as Blue Moon prepares for its release, aiming to resonate with audiences through its heartfelt narrative. The film premiered at the Berlinale earlier this year and is set to hit theaters in the U.S. in October 2023.
Hawke and Linklater are already eyeing their next project, which explores the lives of 19th-century Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson. “It’s a bigger swing than we’ve taken before,” Hawke revealed, indicating their commitment to tackling complex narratives that challenge societal norms.
As anticipation builds for Blue Moon, fans and critics alike are eager to witness Hawke’s portrayal of Hart—a role he describes as both a challenge and an honor. Expect more updates as the film approaches its release date, and stay tuned for Hawke’s ongoing contributions to the world of cinema.
