Exploring Art and Life in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague

Richard Linklater’s exploration of time is vividly captured in his latest films, “Blue Moon” and “Nouvelle Vague.” Each movie delves into the lives and struggles of artistic figures against the backdrop of their historical contexts. With the films scheduled for release just weeks apart, they reflect the interconnectedness within Linklater’s rich cinematic landscape.

Blue Moon: A Meeting of Artists

“Blue Moon” is set in New York City, specifically at Sardi’s bar, on March 31, 1943, coinciding with the premiere of “Oklahoma!” This musical was created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The film centers on Larry Hart, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, who grapples with feelings of jealousy and regret as he faces the success of his contemporaries.

Hart, who is 47 years old, experiences a range of emotions as he waits for a younger woman, reflecting his internal struggle with aging and missed opportunities. He often engages with the bartender, Eddie (Bobby Cannavale), expressing his complex feelings about love, creativity, and identity. Larry’s openness about being “omnisexual” highlights the intricacies of his character and creative process.

Character Dynamics and Historical Elements

As the narrative unfolds, tensions arise when Larry meets Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott), who urges him to take their collaboration seriously. Their discussions about the artistic merits of “Oklahoma!” reveal a deeper conflict about emotional authenticity in art. Linklater also integrates historical figures and references, enriching the film’s narrative.

• Key Characters:
  • Ethan Hawke as Larry Hart
  • Bobby Cannavale as Eddie, the bartender
  • Andrew Scott as Richard Rodgers
  • Margaret Qualley as Elizabeth Weiland
• Notable Date: March 31, 1943
• Context: Premiere of “Oklahoma!”

Nouvelle Vague: The Rise of Jean-Luc Godard

In contrast, “Nouvelle Vague” portrays the iconic director Jean-Luc Godard amid the burgeoning New Wave cinema of the late 1950s. The film captures Godard’s urgency, reflecting his fear of falling behind artistic peers like François Truffaut. Set against the backdrop of Cannes Festival, the film illustrates Godard’s determination to secure funding for his first feature, “Breathless.”

Creative Aspirations and Artistic Clan

The narrative explores Godard’s relationships with contemporaries, including critics from the influential publication Cahiers du Cinéma. These figures played a crucial role in advocating for auteur theory, emphasizing the director’s creative vision. The film showcases not just Godard’s ambition but also the collaborative spirit of the New Wave movement.

• Key Characters:
  • Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard
  • Bruno Dreyfürst as producer Georges de Beauregard
• Notable Year: 1959
• Context: Cannes Film Festival and the emergence of “Breathless”

Linklater’s films, through their thematic depth and historical intricacies, invite audiences to reflect on the passage of time and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Both “Blue Moon” and “Nouvelle Vague” exemplify the timeless relevance of their subjects, making them significant contributions to modern cinema.