In a captivating interview, Andrew Scott reveals the emotional core of his latest role, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in musical history. But is it a tale of triumph or heartbreak?
Scott, a renowned actor with a penchant for stealing scenes, is gearing up for a transformative performance in Richard Linklater's 'Blue Moon'. The film, a biographical comedy-drama, showcases Scott as Richard Rodgers, a composer on the brink of stardom. But there's a twist in this tale of success.
Rodgers, known for his iconic musicals like 'The Sound of Music', had a 24-year-long creative partnership with lyricist Lorenz 'Larry' Hart. Their collaboration was nothing short of legendary, producing over 1000 songs and shaping the American musical landscape. However, 'Oklahoma!' marked a turning point. It was the first musical Rodgers wrote without Hart, who was played by Ethan Hawke in the film. Instead, it was the beginning of his new partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II, which would go on to create some of the most beloved musicals of all time.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Linklater describes the film as a 'break-up movie'—a creative divorce. The narrative focuses on the night Rodgers starts his new collaboration with Hammerstein, leaving Hart behind. This exploration of the artist left behind raises questions about the cost of success and the fragility of creative partnerships.
Linklater further emphasizes this theme, stating, "Artists believe in their immortality, but life can surprise us." He groups 'Blue Moon' with two other films, 'Me and Orson Welles' and 'Nouvelle Vague', in what he informally calls a trilogy of 'two beginnings and an end'. Each film captures the rise of a partnership while another artist's journey comes to a close.
'Blue Moon' premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in musical history. But is this story a celebration or a cautionary tale? The audience is left to ponder the complexities of creative relationships and the bittersweet nature of artistic evolution.
