The Lightness of Seeing: A Tribute to Lorenz Hart
Lorenz Hart was a unique figure in musical history. You might not recognize his name, but you’ve likely sung along to his lyrics. He worked alongside Richard Rodgers, creating timeless songs together. Director Richard Linklater pays tribute to Hart in his film Blue Moon, named after one of Hart’s most famous songs. The film captures a pivotal night during the final year of Hart’s life, exploring his struggles and the decline of his career.
On the opening night of the musical Oklahoma!, Hart (played by Ethan Hawke) tries to reconnect with Rodgers (Andrew Scott). He arrives early at Sardi’s, a well-known bar, to share his thoughts with the bartender (Bobby Cannavale) and the piano player (John Doran). As the night unfolds, it’s clear that Hart is not in a good place. His hopes for a joyful evening clash with the reality of his fading career and growing loneliness.
The film creates an intimate atmosphere, mostly set within the confines of the bar. This setting sometimes feels stifling, echoing Hart’s own mental state. Hawke portrays Hart with an infectious yet erratic energy, making it hard for him to connect with others. His conversations are lively, filled with humor and sharp observations, but they often reflect his inner struggles.
Linklater’s screenplay skillfully weaves between moments of humor and deep emotion. Early discussions about films like Casablanca highlight Hart’s profound loneliness. He finds solace in alcohol, revealing a conflicted relationship with his own emotions. Hart’s connection with a young woman named Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley) becomes central to his story, but even that is complicated by his struggles with identity and love.
The arrival of Rodgers heightens the film’s tension. Their dynamic mirrors a troubled relationship, filled with both affection and resentment. Hawke’s performance shifts from playful to pained as they engage in this dialogue. Elizabeth offers fleeting comfort, yet Hart seems to recognize that her feelings may not be as deep as he wishes.
Despite the challenges Hart faced, he continued to create. He worked with Rodgers again in 1943, writing new songs for an old musical, A Connecticut Yankee. Sadly, after its revival, Hart’s struggles culminated in tragedy just days later when he died at a young age.
Blue Moon paints a poignant picture of Lorenz Hart. His genius and heartache come alive in this narrative, reminding us of the fragility of creativity and love. The film captures the essence of his life—a bittersweet tribute to a brilliant but troubled artist.
