AroView: In an astonishing, Oscar-nominated performance, Ethan Hawke plays embittered Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, whose great success with musical partner Richard Rodgers is all washed up while Rodgers (Andrew Scott) celebrates the opening night triumph of ‘Oklahoma!’ with new collaborator Oscar Hammerstein II.

Deftly directed by Richard Linklater, it’s styled like a stageplay though is in fact based on an original screenplay by Robert Kaplow – inspired by the letters exchanged between Hart and his admirer and unrequited lover, Elizabeth Weiland, for authentic insight into a man of complicated sexuality.

It celebrates a love of language and the language of the heart, while the theme of professional resentment is shared with the Sondheim musical “Merrily We Roll Along” that was recently revived for the stage and film version (and is also available).

“A romantic, funny, moving, life-affirming chamber piece that is itself a great example of a three-way creative collaboration – between director Richard Linklater, writer Robert Kaplow and actor Ethan Hawke.” ~Lee Marshall, Screen Daily

“Ethan Hawke is theatrical in the best way possible, commanding the screen with his every gesture and utterance without overplaying any of them.” ~David Opie, IndieWire

“Like a backstage pass for Broadway buffs, it’s one hell of a show for those in the know, and a sparkling introduction for the uninitiated.” ~Peter Debruge, Variety