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When Hollywood Tries to Depict Broadway Genius, the Results Rarely Sing

Hollywood's history of depicting Broadway legends in biographical films has often resulted in inaccurate and sanitized portrayals, especially in the musical theater biopics of the 1940s. These films, while showcasing star performers and memorable musical numbers, frequently misrepresented the lives and creative processes of iconic songwriters like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Lorenz Hart, glossing over their complexities and struggles.

The new film 'Blue Moon,' directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart, aims to correct these missteps by offering a more honest and nuanced look at Hart's artistry and personal life. Unlike its predecessors, 'Blue Moon' delves into the real challenges and relationships that shaped Hart's work, focusing on a pivotal day in his career and exploring the emotional fallout of his partnership with Richard Rodgers ending.

By moving away from the myth of effortless genius and easy inspiration, 'Blue Moon' highlights the hard work, individuality, and sometimes painful realities behind Broadway's golden age. The film stands as a thoughtful counterpoint to the glossy, factually loose biopics of the past, emphasizing the true nature of creative brilliance.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/movies/blue-moon-richard-linklater-ethan-hawke.html
Source Id: 2025-10-872526137

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