Ethan Hawke’s Latest Film, Blue Moon, Shot in Dublin
Ethan Hawke has expressed his enthusiasm for filming his latest project, Blue Moon, in Ireland, describing the experience as “wonderful” and expressing a desire to return for future projects.
This collaboration with director Richard Linklater was primarily filmed in Dublin, with additional scenes shot at Ardmore Studios in Wicklow.
Set in March 1943, Blue Moon chronicles the opening night of the musical Oklahoma!, focusing on Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, played by Hawke, and his former partner Richard Rodgers.
The screenplay, penned by Robert Kaplow, features Hawke alongside Andrew Scott as Rodgers and Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland, a Yale student who captures Hart’s affection.
Irish actor Simon Delaney also stars as Oscar Hammerstein.
While much of the narrative unfolds at Sardi’s, the iconic restaurant located on Manhattan’s West 44th Street, the production team successfully recreated this setting in Dublin.
Hawke, known for his long-standing partnership with Linklater, which includes films like the Before trilogy and Boyhood, praised the collaborative atmosphere in Ireland.
“There are so many talented actors involved. I left feeling hopeful about returning to make another film there. It was truly a fantastic environment to work in,” the 55-year-old actor stated in an interview with the PA news agency.
Linklater, aged 65, remarked, “We had remarkable Irish collaborators and a talented crew. The challenge was recreating Sardi’s, and it turned out perfectly that we could do so in Ireland.”
The film delves into the artistic separation of the songwriting duo Hart and Rodgers, reflecting on the bittersweet conclusion of an era for Hart.
Hawke elaborated, “Larry has much to be proud of, yet he finds himself heartbroken. The end of an era is always challenging. He has 25 years of significant poetic contributions, and he simply doesn’t want it to end.”
Linklater also noted the poignant reality of cultural shifts leaving artists behind.
“Artists often believe their relevance will last indefinitely, but life is unpredictable,” he remarked. “Your tastes can evolve. In this film, not only is there an artistic divide between Hart and Rodgers, but the times are also changing. His style of show tunes and musicals is becoming outdated. It’s a new era.”
“The times are leaving him behind. It’s a poignant realization that there is a shelf life to your art. While you reflect on your own journey, it’s fortunate that great art endures.”
The film Blue Moon is set to premiere in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday, November 28.
