Watched Blue Moon
There was a moment early on at the bar where I realized what this was going to be and I became immediately more excited than I've been about a new movie since Sinners. If more movies were as structurally brave, the medium would be in a significantly more promising place. But, of course, the impossibility of such a broad expansion of experimental or even uncomfortable art is one of the fears the film explores.
An impressive rumination on the eternal conflict between mass and niche media, from the eyes of a sad, alienated man who is turned off by sentimentality because he cannot see himself in the characters that are familiar to so much of his audience. How can anyone look into his eyes and tell him that the quality of art is determined by its popularity, or that creating art to comfort those who are cast aside is a foolhardy or doomed endeavor? And how cruel is it that we do not allow such talents to make the art that will help people like them, because most people are not like them? It is exactly because they are different that they need that comfort.
Hawke is extraordinary. A more complete transformation than I have seen from him, it is among my favorite performances of the year (if not my favorite). The entire supporting cast is also excellent, from Qualley's naïve attempts at kindness, to Cannavale's tired commitment to listening, to Scott's frustrated hope at a future for the duo. Kennedy is a particular stand out among the supporting cast, and perhaps more effectively than anyone else shows real empathy for Hart's overwhelming manic thrashing. Every scene breathes tragedy, and we are never allowed to forget how the story will end. But the beauty we see, the beauty Hart lives in and craves so constantly, shines through in the script. Unfortunately, the cinematography and particularly the lighting are not so inspired, and make things frequently difficult to make out, but I was still rapt for the entire length.