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Part of digesting the rough road paved by Mary Bronstein’s potent drama, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, featured at the recent 61st Chicago International Film Festival, is reflecting on the nature of motherhood. It is a monumental undertaking that is not for everyone. In her novel At Home on Ladybug Farm, author Donna Ball put it comprehensively this way:
“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”
We meet Linda, the central protagonist of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You played by the dynamic Rose Byrne, with a slowly creeping close-up that stops on her puffy, tired eyes filling the entire widescreen frame. In this introductory moment, she’s verbally combating the notion of her flexibility as a parent against a poorly used “putty” analogy. Underneath those eyes, there’s both dedication and indignation in her voice because her self-sacrificing situation is rather unique.
Linda’s heard-but-not-seen and unnamed daughter (Delaney Quinn) requires constant medical care due to severe food aversions, making meals and maintaining any sort of physical health a difficult ordeal. Most of the daughter’s nutrition is delivered at night by a machine pumping pureed slurries through an abdominal feeding tube. Her Navy husband, Charles (an off-screen Christian Slater), is out of town on business for several weeks, putting Linda alone with the clingy girl and her host of irrational fears and impossible needs that pour out of her thoughts and mouth and nearly every waking moment of the day.
LESSON #1: IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT HARD, MEET THIS WOMAN— At the suggestion of Mary Bronstein herself at her pre-screening talkback at CIFF, picture your worst day of irksome inconveniences, and then add more personal hell. Your imagination might get close to Rose Byrne’s Linda in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Just wait. There’s more.
A ruptured pipe above their Montauk apartment has caused flooding and a massive hole in the ceiling. Costly repairs and delayed laborers have put Linda, her daughter, and their roadshow of medical equipment up in a shoddy motel for an undetermined amount of time. On top of all that, Linda still tries to maintain her day job of being a present and effective psychotherapist at the same office with her own beleaguered personal therapist (a brilliant Conan O’Brien, shedding his comedic skin).
The volume of external pressures placed on Linda is laborious and echoes the plight of providing for someone else’s well-being, as described in Donna Ball’s quote. The work on her home is going nowhere and infuriating her husband, which lands back on her. The precarious fragility of Linda’s patients—particularly a new mother named Caroline, played by Dumplin’ discovery Danielle Macdonald—is getting worse, with her own exhaustion diluting her focus. Her daughter’s doctor orders increased weight gain to be free of the feeding tube and insists Linda join a parent counseling group to improve her attitude, an extra step she adamantly refuses to do. Likewise, her own sessions with O’Brien are becoming petulant and more barbed with every meeting.
LESSON #2: MOMMY NEEDS A MINUTE— Linda is clearly at her wits’ end. As they say, “Mommy needs a minute.” When she tries to get away in the evenings after a long day to decompress from the maddening red lights and beeping alarms of the feeding machine, Linda scrounges for a joint and a bottle of cheap lobby wine—two more poor choices—and retreats to a bench outside the motel by herself for a moment’s joy. Even then, she can’t get that minute. Either the baby monitor tucked under her overcoat breaks the silence with an alert, a call from her comfortable husband comes through, or the curious motel superintendent, James (A$AP Rocky from Highest 2 Lowest, in an excellent complementary part), won’t leave her alone.
At this crushing tipping point of time, as things are going from bad to worse incrementally, Mary Bronstein bends If I Had Legs I’d Kick You even further, thanks to the THC coursing through Linda’s veins and strangling her insomnia. At several times in the film, Linda finds herself staring into a deep, starry void (designed by director of photography Christopher Messina) that drowns her senses and ours. The enveloping blackness and ominous sound design accompaniment singe our synapses for comprehension and make us question—in true A24 fashion—the reality and surrealness of everything being shown.
LESSON #3: HOW MUCH CAN A PERSON TAKE BEFORE HARM SETS IN?—That undoubtedly bold thematic inclusion either pulls you into If I Had Legs I’d Kick You or jettisons you too far into your own thoughts that clash or multiply with Linda’s errant choices. Once it gets to the point where Linda feels she wasn’t supposed to be a mom, you begin to dread the worst. This low calls to mind yet another quote about motherhood, this time from The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage writer W. Somerset Maugham:
“A mother only does her children harm if she makes them the only concern of her life.”
In If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, we are witnessing that slow and ugly descent towards potential lasting damage when self-care is out the window or, in this case, tossed to and fro by the ocean’s waves. Watching Linda claw fruitlessly to gain every type of perceived control over the uncontrollable and lash out in denial of the blame and shame is a hard thing to watch.
What strengthens this viewing experience is the unyielding performance from Rose Byrne. Her expressive interpretation of both physical and mental fatigue is beyond anything she’s ever done and is one of the best acting displays of 2025. Her fully-formed comedic timing as a seasoned actress of that genre stirs the dark and uncomfortable humor that bubbles within If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. There are frequent points where things are so bad, you can’t help but laugh in the face of desperation. Bryne has a vibrance beyond the stress, where levity can be found to break the futility. She and Bronstein try to conquer demons one frankly honest choice and completed task at a time, even if, like Bell says, they’re all still wrong and require forgiveness. If nothing else, please give Rose Byrne that minute you need to give Mommy. Come and appreciate what she accomplishes.
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This piece will get into the most trusted platforms that analyze online casinos. We'll look at their operator review methods, highlight what makes great review sites stand out, and show you effective ways to use these resources.
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Olbg.com stands out with its community-first approach to casino analysis. Expert reviews blend with user feedback to paint a complete picture of each gambling site. The platform is upfront about affiliate relationships and shows both good and bad sides of every operator they review.
These platforms share one common thread - their steadfast dedication to player safety. They only recommend casinos with proper licensing from respected authorities like the UKGC, MGA, and others.
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Leading review platforms use strict testing methods to identify legitimate online casinos from shady ones. Players can now confidently explore the gambling world by understanding these testing standards.
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License verification stands as the first step for respected review platforms. Research shows 78% of players look up license details before they sign up. Quality review websites check if casinos have proper credentials from trusted bodies like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This careful checking makes sure recommended casinos follow laws that protect your money and personal information.
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Good review sites openly tell you about their affiliate deals. Most casino reviewers make money through affiliate programs when players use their links to sign up. The ethical ones stay independent despite these money arrangements and give honest feedback even if it cuts into their earnings.
User feedback and community engagement
Review platforms become more valuable when they include community feedback. Sites like AskGamblers add user experiences to create more balanced reviews. Players can spot patterns in customer experiences beyond what experts say.
Frequency of updates and content freshness
Casino policies and promotions change faster these days. Good review sites keep their content fresh and updated. The Stanford Web Credibility Project found that websites with recent updates seem more trustworthy. Reliable platforms track changes in promotions, policies, and user experiences. They often show update dates to prove their commitment to accuracy.
What Sets the Best Casino Review Sites Apart
The best casino review sites stand out by offering unmatched player protections that go beyond simple ratings. These platforms protect players in the ever-changing world of online gambling.
Player-first features like complaint resolution
The most reliable review platforms prioritize player protection and fair conflict handling. A strong example is AskGamblers, known for its Complaints Service, which mediates between players and operators to ensure fair outcomes. Players experiencing payment delays or account issues can use such tools to seek transparent and verified resolutions — an important sign of a platform’s integrity.
This focus on fairness and accountability sets the best online casinos in US apart, showing that genuine player advocacy and open communication build long-term trust more effectively than simple promotional content.
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Casino.org uses a 25-step testing process to rate casinos, and failed operators end up on their blacklist right away.
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Leading review sites champion green gambling practices. The National Council on Problem Gambling creates resources to help stakeholders "advance and implement the principles of responsible gambling within their communities". Major review platforms include responsible gambling information, and Casino Guru offers "extensive information and resources" about this topic. They verify age and provide educational content about gambling risks.
Mobile compatibility and UX design
Modern reviews go beyond screenshots: they measure real mobile performance (time to interactive, layout shifts), accessibility (contrast, readable fonts, VoiceOver/TalkBack flows), and account safeguards like biometrics and 2FA. Interfaces are tested on small and large devices to ensure error-free deposits, withdrawals, and KYC. We apply the same rubric in the GGbet Casino Test, including checks for dark patterns such as unclear opt-outs or pre-ticked boxes.
How to Use These Platforms Effectively
Smart research helps you get the most value from review platforms. These expert tips will help you make better decisions about online casinos.
Compare multiple reviews before choosing a casino
Research casino sites like a detective and look at information from different platforms. This helps you spot consistent praise and common issues that could affect your experience. Professional reviews combined with player feedback give you a complete picture of casino operations.
Check for recent updates and user comments
Reviews from long ago might have outdated details about bonuses, payment methods, or available games. Good platforms update monthly and do complete evaluations twice a year. Research from the Stanford Web Credibility Project shows that users trust websites with recent updates more.
Use filters to find casinos by license or payment method
Filtering options make your search easier. Most platforms let you sort casinos based on bonuses, payment options, or licensing jurisdictions. This takes you straight to the sections that match what you need.
Avoid platforms that lack transparency
Watch out for warning signs like one-sided positive content, hidden affiliate relationships, and missing license details. The best review sites are open about their affiliate partnerships and stay independent despite financial agreements.
Conclusion
Choosing a safe and reliable online casino starts with finding the right review platform. The best analysis sites go beyond surface-level summaries — they test casinos with real money, verify licensing, and clearly disclose affiliate partnerships. Platforms like Mr-Gamble, VegasSlotsOnline, and Casino.org have earned player trust by combining transparent testing with continuous updates and user feedback.
Before registering or depositing, take time to check what these expert sources say. Comparing insights from multiple trusted review sites helps you avoid scams, understand true bonus value, and identify casinos that actually deliver fair play. In online gambling, informed research isn’t just smart — it’s your strongest line of defense.
Jaime Zevallos and Nicholas Turturro have teamed up for a fun new horror-comedy short “Vampire For Hire”, and it’s available to watch free here on Movie Marker! Actor-filmmaker, Jaime Zevallos (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger) and Nicholas Turturro (Apple TV + Highest 2 Lowest) star in Vampire For Hire, a horror-comedy that sinks its teeth into celebrity culture, […]
Released: 5 December 2025 Director: Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor Starring: Ann Akinjirin, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ Dreams of a better life might often be the impetus to leave one’s home country. Dreamers turns this concept on its head by portraying the perspective of those women forced to leave their own country, in a desperate bid to avoid being vilified or persecuted, only to wind up on […]
Released: 31 October 2025 Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons Cinema as an art form can come in various shapes and sizes. Some directors prefer to deliver quieter projects, while some love playing around on blockbusters and exploring the use of CGI. A fraction like taking the unconventional route by creating films that […]
Movie nights have evolved significantly over the decades. From the days of renting VHS tapes to streaming thousands of titles with a single click, our home entertainment rituals continue to transform. Now, there's a new player in the movie night experience that's reshaping how millions of people unwind: cannabis-infused gummies. What started as a niche product has quietly become a mainstream staple, replacing traditional alcohol and snacks as the preferred companion for cinematic experiences at home.
This shift isn't happening by accident. It reflects changing attitudes toward cannabis, the appeal of precise dosing, and the unique way edibles enhance the immersive qualities of film. As legalization expands and social stigma fades, weed gummies are emerging as the sophisticated, health-conscious alternative to the traditional beer-and-popcorn combination.
The Evolution of Cannabis Consumption
From Smoking to Sophisticated Edibles
Cannabis consumption has undergone a remarkable transformation. The stereotypical image of joints and bongs is giving way to elegant tinctures, precisely dosed capsules, and gourmet edibles that wouldn't look out of place at a high-end dinner party. Among these modern options, gummies have captured the largest share of the edibles market, and for good reason.
Unlike smoking or vaping, gummies produce no odor, require no equipment, and offer consistent experiences through standardized dosing. They're discreet, portable, and approachable—qualities that appeal to both experienced cannabis users and curious newcomers. This accessibility has democratized cannabis consumption, making it suitable for social settings that previously excluded smoking methods.
The Legalization Wave
The rapid expansion of cannabis legalization has normalized what was once considered taboo. As more states and countries embrace legal frameworks, cannabis is shedding its counterculture associations and entering mainstream consciousness. This cultural shift has profound implications for how people incorporate cannabis into everyday activities, including entertainment routines.
Legal markets have also driven quality improvements. Licensed manufacturers must meet strict testing standards, ensuring products are free from contaminants and accurately labeled for potency. This regulatory oversight has made cannabis edibles safer and more reliable than ever before, building consumer confidence and expanding the market beyond traditional demographics.
Why Gummies Specifically?
Precision Dosing for Perfect Experiences
One of the most compelling advantages of edible gummies is precise dosing. Each gummy contains an exact amount of THC—typically ranging from 2.5mg to 10mg per piece. This standardization eliminates the guesswork associated with smoking or homemade edibles, where potency can vary dramatically.
For movie nights, this precision is invaluable. You can tailor your experience based on the film genre, your tolerance level, and desired intensity. Watching a lighthearted comedy? A 5mg gummy might provide just enough euphoria to enhance the humor. Planning an immersive sci-fi epic? A 10mg dose could deepen the visual experience without overwhelming you. This controllability makes gummies the ideal choice for intentional, curated experiences.
The Delayed Onset Advantage
While some might view edibles' delayed onset as a disadvantage, it's actually perfect for movie nights. Gummies typically take 30-90 minutes to produce effects, giving you time to settle in, queue up your film, and prepare snacks. By the time the opening credits roll, you're entering the optimal state of relaxation and receptivity.
This timing creates a ritualistic quality. Taking a gummy becomes part of the pre-movie routine, similar to making popcorn or dimming the lights. The anticipation builds as you wait for effects to manifest, adding an element of ceremony to what might otherwise be a mundane evening at home.
Flavor Variety and Culinary Appeal
Modern cannabis gummies bear little resemblance to the harsh, weedy edibles of the past. Today's products feature sophisticated flavor profiles—from tropical fruit medleys to sour citrus blends to dessert-inspired options like strawberry cheesecake or salted caramel. Many are indistinguishable from premium non-cannabis gummies in terms of taste and texture.
This culinary evolution matters for movie nights because it transforms consumption from a purely functional act into a genuinely enjoyable treat. You're not just dosing for effect; you're savoring a delicious snack that happens to contain cannabis. This dual functionality makes gummies more appealing than other consumption methods that prioritize efficiency over enjoyment.
How Gummies Enhance the Viewing Experience
Heightened Sensory Immersion
Cannabis is renowned for enhancing sensory perception, and this quality translates beautifully to film viewing. Users consistently report that THC gummies intensify visual and auditory experiences, making colors appear more vibrant, details more noticeable, and soundtracks more emotionally resonant.
This sensory enhancement is particularly powerful with visually stunning films. Nature documentaries become mesmerizing journeys through alien landscapes. Animated features reveal artistic details you might normally overlook. Even familiar movies take on new dimensions as you notice cinematography choices, background elements, and visual symbolism that previously escaped attention.
The auditory enhancement is equally significant. Music swells feel more emotionally affecting. Dialogue delivery seems more nuanced. Sound design elements—the crunch of footsteps, ambient environmental sounds, the subtle musical cues—become distinct and appreciable. This heightened awareness creates a more immersive, engaging viewing experience.
Emotional Amplification
Cannabis affects emotional processing in ways that can profoundly impact how we experience stories. Comedy becomes funnier as gummies lower inhibitions and enhance pattern recognition that underlies humor. Dramatic moments feel more poignant as emotional barriers soften. Even horror films can become more thrilling as mild paranoia heightens suspense without crossing into genuine distress.
This emotional amplification helps viewers connect more deeply with characters and narratives. You're not just watching a story unfold; you're feeling it more intensely. For films designed to provoke emotional responses—whether laughter, tears, or awe—cannabis can enhance the intended effect, making the experience more memorable and impactful.
Enhanced Focus and Attention
Contrary to stereotypes about cannabis impairing concentration, many users find that moderate doses actually improve focus on single tasks. When applied to movie watching, this translates to fewer distractions and greater engagement with the film. Your phone becomes less tempting. Outside concerns fade into the background. The movie becomes your entire world for those two hours.
This enhanced focus is particularly valuable in our distraction-saturated culture. How often do you check your phone during a film? How frequently do conversations interrupt pivotal scenes? Weed gummies can create a mental state where the movie genuinely commands your full attention, allowing you to appreciate cinematic artistry the way filmmakers intended.
Time Perception Alterations
Cannabis famously alters time perception, often making minutes feel longer. For movie watching, this temporal distortion can be advantageous. Films feel more expansive and immersive. You're not anxiously checking how much runtime remains; you're fully present in each scene. Epic films become truly epic, while even standard-length movies feel like substantial experiences rather than brief diversions.
This time dilation also creates a sense of value. A two-hour movie under the influence of cannabis can feel like a significant event rather than a casual activity. This transforms movie night from ordinary entertainment into something closer to a mini-vacation—a temporary escape from everyday consciousness into a carefully crafted alternate reality.
The Social Dimension
Shared Experiences and Bonding
While weed gummies certainly enhance solo viewing, they've also become popular for social movie nights. Friends gathering to watch films together often prefer gummies to alcohol because they promote laughter, interesting conversations, and shared wonder without the impairment or hangover risks associated with drinking.
Cannabis creates a particular kind of social atmosphere—relaxed, open, and playful. Movie discussions become more animated and creative. People feel comfortable sharing unconventional interpretations. Inside jokes emerge organically. The shared experience of watching a film while enjoying gummies creates bonding opportunities and memorable moments that strengthen friendships.
The Rise of Cannabis Culture Social Events
As cannabis normalization accelerates, we're seeing the emergence of structured social events built around cannabis and film. "Puff and watch" parties, cannabis-friendly film festivals, and THC-enhanced screening events are becoming increasingly common in legal markets. These gatherings treat cannabis consumption as a sophisticated complement to cinema rather than a taboo or purely recreational activity.
This cultural shift mirrors how wine tastings or craft beer events pair beverages with food or entertainment. Cannabis is being repositioned as something to be appreciated and discussed—an enhancement to experiences rather than the experience itself. Movie nights provide the perfect venue for this more mature, intentional approach to cannabis consumption.
Genre-Specific Recommendations
Comedy and Weed Gummies
Comedy films and cannabis form perhaps the most natural pairing. THC enhances pattern recognition and lowers social inhibitions, making jokes land harder and absurd situations seem funnier. Physical comedy becomes more entertaining as you notice details and timing. Witty dialogue feels sharper. Even mediocre comedies can become hilarious when viewed with the right dose of gummies.
Recommended dose: 5-10mg for moderate enhancement without confusion that might make you lose plot threads in more complex comedies.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
These genres benefit enormously from cannabis's sensory enhancement and imagination amplification. Spectacular visual effects become awe-inspiring. World-building details capture attention. Fantastical concepts feel more plausible and engaging. Films like "Interstellar," "Blade Runner 2049," or "Avatar" become transcendent experiences rather than merely impressive spectacles.
Recommended dose: 5-15mg depending on tolerance, as higher doses can enhance the immersive qualities without impeding your ability to follow complex plots.
Animation
Animated films—whether aimed at children or adults—take on new life with cannabis enhancement. The artistry becomes more apparent. Color palettes seem more intentional and beautiful. Voice acting feels more nuanced. Films from studios like Pixar, Studio Ghibli, or Laika reveal layers of craftsmanship that casual viewing might miss.
Recommended dose: 5-10mg to enhance appreciation without overthinking what are often simple, emotionally direct narratives.
Horror and Thriller
This combination requires caution, as cannabis can intensify both suspense and anxiety. For those who enjoy heightened thrills without genuine distress, a modest dose can make horror films more exciting. The key is knowing your tolerance for anxiety and choosing films that provide fun scares rather than psychological torment.
Recommended dose: 2.5-5mg to enhance suspense without triggering uncomfortable paranoia.
Drama and Art Films
Serious dramas benefit from cannabis's emotional amplification and patience for slow pacing. Character studies become more engaging. Subtle performances reveal greater depth. Art films that might feel inaccessible or pretentious become meditative experiences worth savoring. The enhanced focus helps you appreciate directorial choices and thematic complexity.
Recommended dose: 5-10mg to deepen engagement without impairing comprehension of complex narratives.
Conclusion: A Quiet Revolution
The rise of weed gummies as a movie night essential represents more than a consumption trend—it's a cultural shift toward more intentional, mindful entertainment experiences. In an age of constant distraction and fragmented attention, cannabis edibles offer a path back to focused, immersive engagement with art and storytelling.
This quiet revolution isn't driven by aggressive marketing or peer pressure, but by organic recognition that cannabis enhances what many people already love about movies: the escape, the emotion, the visual splendor, and the shared experience. Gummies have made this enhancement accessible, predictable, and socially acceptable in ways that previous consumption methods never achieved.
As legalization expands and stigma continues fading, we'll likely look back at this period as the moment when cannabis transitioned from counterculture curiosity to mainstream staple. And nowhere is this transformation more apparent than in living rooms across legal markets, where millions of people are discovering that the perfect companion to a great film isn't necessarily in a bottle or a bowl—sometimes it's a small, fruit-flavored gummy that transforms ordinary movie night into something extraordinary.
Whether you're a longtime cannabis enthusiast or curious newcomer, the appeal is undeniable: weed gummies offer a simple, safe, and remarkably effective way to deepen your connection with cinema. They're not replacing the movie night experience—they're elevating it, one precisely dosed gummy at a time.
LESSON #1: WHICH RICHARD LINKLATER ARE WE GETTING TONIGHT?--- It’s been said before, but we’ve reached a point, deep into the fruitful vitae of filmmaker Richard Linklater, where a new movie from him—like either his 2025 twinbill of Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague—demands immediate categorization to know what we’re getting into. Thanks to the divergent range between the likes of Dazed and Confused, School of Rock, and Everybody Wants Some!! and the other side of the cinematic coin, holding Boyhood, Bernie, and the Before trilogy, there’s “Party Linklater” and “Prestige Linklater.” Both courses are plenty entertaining, but require different decorum, so to speak.
As a potential viewer of a Linklater film, you don’t want to bring the mood of a six-pack of cheap beer to a formal affair any more than show up to a kegger bonfire with the haughtiness of a vintage Beaujolais. For Blue Moon, taking place as so many of the Texan-based director’s best yarns do over the course of a single night, there’s an ambition for this film to meld both versions of Richard Linklater. That is, as plenty would call it, an intriguing proposition and challenge.
Blue Moon takes place on the very specific date of March 31, 1943. It is the opening night and Broadway premiere of Oklahoma!, conceived by the duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein III. Our eyes and ears from a box seat belong to Lorenz Hart, another of Rodgers’s longtime creative partners. Played by Ethan Hawke through a dramatic transformation of makeup and camera trickery, the diminutive man responsible for Babes in Arms and dozens of contributions to what would become the Great American Songbook of jazz standards does not like what he’s watching. He slips out early and heads to the popular Theater District haunt, Sardi’s—where his own caricature portrait hangs on the wall among other Broadway greats—for a libation before the after-party.
Lorenz Hart is welcomed with open arms and, despite his recent attempt at sobriety, an open tab by Eddie, the Sardi’s bartender (Bobby Cannavale). They know each other well, where the loquacious Hart, upon hearing the live background piano being played by young Morty “Knuckles” Rifkin (Jonah Lees of Superman), begins to chastise the merits of Casablanca. Soon, he turns his chiding to Oklahoma! itself, convinced it’s nothing more than a populist and fraudulent hayseed send-up with no future.
LESSON #2: HOLDING COURT— Grabbing the ears of Bobby, Knuckles, future film director George Roy Hill (TV star David Rawle), or the relaxing, aspiring author E. B. White (Patrick Kennedy of The Queen’s Gambit), years before he would write Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web, Lorenz Hart is personifying the term “holding court” in Blue Moon. Pouring out pages of dialogue and diatribes, Hawke’s main character pours all the tea he sees fit to vocalize while staring down a waiting and tempting shot of whiskey. Swirling in between his hot takes are his passionate opinions on entertainment. He declares, “great art levitates,” and he’s spot on. Hart’s track record of success has earned him the right to rant.
Lorenz Hart quickly changes his tune from lambasting to apple-polishing when the Oklahoma! dignitaries arrive, beaming from their successful debut. As soon as he can, Lorenz latches himself to Richard Rodgers (All of Us Strangers star Andrew Scott) and piles on florid praise and effusive compliments we—with our dramatic irony in Blue Moon of watching the minutes before this convergence—know to be a crock of brown-nosing shit. We sniff the jealousy, even if Rodgers cannot, and that multiplies when Oscar Hammerstein III (Simon Delaney of The Conjuring 2) joins the soiree, flanked by his young mentee Stevie Sondheim (Spilt Milk’s Cillian Sullivan).
While buttering up to his old partner with pitches for new collaborations is a pivotal reason for Lorenz Hart hanging around Sardi’s, Lorenz’s highest source of anticipation stems from the attendance of budding starlet Elizabeth Weiland (The Substance’s stunner Margaret Qualley). Even though he is self-declared “omnisexual” and old enough to be her father, Lorenz pines badly for Elizabeth and hopes to consummate his infatuation this very evening. He sees this potential romantic victory as the spark to turn his career and confidence around.
LESSON #3: WHAT WILL THIS NIGHT BRING?--- Peeking around the cinematic window dressing of black-tie fashion and stuck-up Broadway decadence, Blue Moon is essentially a proper entry into the “Party Linklater” oeuvre, taking place in a “Presige Linklater” setting and time period. The “popular people,” so to speak, have come together to toast success, and we’re here for the stargazing. Yet, thanks to Linklater’s penchant for waltzing around small settings with engaging talks and fascinating people, the director sews in an abundance of anticipation and atmosphere. We truly don’t know what this night will bring, but we want to find out.
The engine for all of the boozy buzz and smoky mood is entirely Ethan Hawke. The often-overlooked and underappreciated actor orchestrates sizzling conversations with aroused fervor and pitch-perfect cadence. He capitalizes on his character’s ability to create an elaborate story or a flowery anecdote for anything or about anything, and, even if we don’t catch all the 1940s lingo and spicy references, we hang on his every word.
Moreover, we hear Lorenz Hart’s every word of his contrarian take in Blue Moon and digest it eighty-plus years later. Watching a waning talent—less than a year before his eventual death—claw for relevance and the chance to be excited about making something new again has a strong draw. Even if Hart is (and was) clearly wrong about the forecast of success for Oklahoma!, there’s nothing wrong with aiming for sharper cynicism next to populist fluff when necessary or wanting to echo Hart’s goal to “stop being so scared” to do so as creators and consumers. Richard Linklater, through thick and thin over the years, has never sunk as low as where Lorenz Hart finished his life and career, partially because he, too, has the same inextinguishable zest to challenge and create, and puts it on screen every chance he gets. Keep going, Richard. We’re here for it.
