Ethan Hawke Reveals Why He Waited 12 Years for Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon and the End of the ‘Before’ Movie Series
Ethan Hawke, now 54, reflects on his career with a sense of fulfillment. With four Oscar nominations and no wins, he embraces that outcome. He recalls Denzel Washington’s advice after their nominations for “Training Day.” Washington reassured him, saying, “You don’t want to win it yet. You’ve got a lot of good work to do.” This wisdom resonates as Hawke prepares for his role in Richard Linklater’s latest film, “Blue Moon.”
The 12-Year Journey to Blue Moon
“Blue Moon” explores the life of songwriter Lorenz Hart during a pivotal premiere night for “Oklahoma!” The film has stirred significant buzz during this awards season, showcasing a performance that Hawke describes as one of the most emotionally profound of his career. The project took 12 years to come to fruition, primarily because Linklater wanted Hawke to age into the character, which required the emotional depth of mid-40s experience.
The Character’s Depth
Hart, who died at 48, exemplified both success and the fear of obsolescence. Hawke articulates Hart’s complex emotions surrounding celebration and impending decline, stating, “Larry Hart would be dead within a few months of that party.” This nuanced portrayal encapsulates the theme of transience in creative life.
Legacy and Self-Reflection
In discussing his legacy, Hawke expresses concern about the dangers of legacy thinking. “It’s a dangerous way to think,” he notes. He refers to past friends whose early acclaim complicated their paths. As he reflects, “Thinking about your legacy makes you see yourself in a third person.”
Supporting Cast and Collaborations
- Hawke shares notable chemistry with Andrew Scott, who plays Richard Rodgers.
- Hawke first recognized Scott’s talent during his performance in “Hamlet” 15 years ago.
- The two actors achieved remarkable synergy during an intense seven-page scene, capturing years of friendship in a single argument.
Sony Pictures Classics and Adult Cinema
“Blue Moon” is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, a key player in promoting mid-budget adult dramas. Hawke praises the commitment of Michael Barker and Tom Bernard to championing meaningful narratives in a market often driven by algorithms. He emphasizes, “If you don’t make “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” available, how will people know how great it is?”
Reflections on the Oscars and Future Projects
Hawke recalls his first Oscar nomination for “Training Day” and the surreal feeling of that moment. He recognizes the impact of success and failure in the industry, drawing from lessons learned from peers like Philip Seymour Hoffman. As for the future of the “Before” film series, he expresses uncertainty, suggesting that if a continuation occurs, it might diverge from the original format.
Ultimately, Hawke’s reflections encompass a blend of gratitude for his past and curiosity for the future, indicating that the journey continues to evolve, much like the characters he portrays.
