Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater Talk About Their New Broadway Show ‘Blue Moon’ and Their Exciting Reunion
Richard Linklater’s Double Feature: A Study of Artistry and Heartbreak
Renowned filmmaker Richard Linklater debuted two new films in 2025, featured prominently at international film festivals. At Cannes, he presented Nouvelle Vague, a whimsical exploration of the chaotic production behind Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film À bout de souffle (Breathless, 1960). In contrast, at Berlin, Linklater unveiled Blue Moon, a darker yet equally compelling portrait of legendary songwriter Lorenz Hart, showcasing the director’s range.
Blue Moon, marking Linklater’s ninth collaboration with actor Ethan Hawke, traverses an evening in Hart’s life just seven months before his death at age 48. Hart, once celebrated for his contributions alongside Richard Rodgers, finds himself grappling with the reality of his declining artistic relevance. The narrative unfolds on the opening night of the Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical Oklahoma!, where Hart, foreseeing its success, retreats to the comfort of the bar at Sardi’s. There, he interacts with a young woman named Elizabeth, played by Margaret Qualley, around whom his obsessions revolve.
In a recent interview, Linklater reflected on the coincidental timing of both films’ releases. "It was part of no plan, but they do have similarities," he stated. “Both projects had long gestation periods, each taking about 13 years to develop. We shot them back-to-back, yet there was no deliberate intention behind it.”
Hawke echoed the sentiment, noting the thematic resonance between the two films. “One film captures the beginning of a career with a youthful love for art, while the other portrays the twilight of a career, highlighting the pain of irrelevance,” he said.
The performances in Blue Moon are particularly significant. Hawke’s portrayal of Hart required a transformation, navigating both physicality and inner turmoil. Linklater emphasized the challenge of fully embodying Hart’s character: “Ethan had to disappear into the role; at times, it required us to shed our usual dynamic.”
Bobby Cannavale plays the bartender, who serves as both a confidant and regulator of Hart’s drinking. Hawke considers Cannavale’s effortless acting essential to the film’s success, praising him as the movie’s anchor. "His presence allows Ethan to truly shine," he noted.
The film also includes notable real-life figures like E.B. White and young Stephen Sondheim, enhancing its historical texture. Linklater and his team employed imagination to conjure the informal interactions between these figures, adding depth to the story—a testament to the vibrant community of artists in Hart’s orbit.
Hawke described the filming process as an exhilarating experience, highlighting the invigorating atmosphere fostered by Linklater’s vision. “We prepared meticulously, allowing for that creative explosion during the shoot,” he stated.
Looking ahead, both Linklater and Hawke expressed excitement for potential future collaborations, underscoring a commitment to exploring complex narratives together. "Even after a decade apart, working on Blue Moon felt like a natural progression," Hawke added, eager for what lies ahead.
As Linklater continues to balance distinct projects, including the comedic homage Nouvelle Vague, he remains an influential figure in contemporary cinema, unearthing stories that reflect both the strife and beauty of creative pursuits.
