Linklater & Hawke Reaffirm the Art of Subversion in Film with ‘Blue Moon’
At the Berlin Film Festival, director Richard Linklater and actor Ethan Hawke took center stage to discuss their latest project, “Blue Moon,” a film that reinforces their commitment to subversive storytelling over conventional Hollywood norms. Linklater, famed for his audacious storytelling vision in classics like “Boyhood” and the “Before” trilogy, quipped about Hollywood’s waning faith in his traditional filmmaking capabilities, saying, “They gave up on me a long time ago.” His response reflects a goldmine of creativity afforded by small budgets—”This was a small-budget movie. There’s no test screenings or anything like that.”
Both Linklater and Hawke champion the necessity of confronting today’s social issues through provocative art. Hawke delivered a passionate plea for audiences to seek out so-called “offensive” art, emphasizing its importance in today’s climate. “When we prioritize money at all costs, what we get is generic art that appeals to the most amount of people,” he declared. The duo advocates for an active audience. Hawke urged film lovers to demand bold narratives, noting that without viewer support, meaningful stories risk fading into obscurity. “For great offensive art, audiences have to care,” he stressed.
“Blue Moon,” which chronicles the twilight years of lyricist Lorenz Hart—half of the celebrated songwriting duo Rodgers & Hart—features a stellar cast, including Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott. Set against the backdrop of March 31, 1943, at Sardi’s during the premiere of “Oklahoma!,” the film is not only a poignant historical account but a reminder of the significance of artistic authenticity.
Financed by Sony Pictures Classics, known for backing numerous Linklater projects, “Blue Moon” continues to cultivate that creative relationship, positioning itself as a fresh perspective in independent cinema. As Hawke and Linklater navigate the waters of mainstream pressure to conform, they remind us that art should be both challenging and vital—not merely a vehicle for profit. So, if you’ve got the guts, support the cinema that dares. Catch “Blue Moon” when it releases in the U.S. later this year and join the movement for cinema that matters.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Deadline, IndieWire, Variety, Film Comment
