Lorenz Hart’s story is one of brilliance, but not necessarily success — at least in his own eyes. Ethan Hawke does a great job of capturing a man whose personality is extravagant yet whose sense of self is so small; his awareness of his talent comes with impossible standards he sets for himself.
Hawke devours the screen and never gives a dull moment, while Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott also shine. The film is set in one location but paints a vivid picture of characters whose relationships and life paths are built on adoration, success, and failure.
The score and makeup are the only elements that feel distracting, but Blue Moon is still an engaging character study and an impressive piece of work by the end.
Rating: ★★★½☆
Review by: Gal Balaban