Ethan Hawke Reflects on Career, Collaborations, and the Power of the Present at Miami Film Festival
Ethan Hawke’s recent visit to Miami for the Miami Film Festival, where he received the Variety Virtuoso Award, proved to be a memorable one. In a conversation with Variety’s co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, Hawke delved into his diverse and impactful career, spanning from his early indie beginnings to collaborations with industry giants like Richard Linklater and even pop icon Taylor Swift. He shared anecdotes about his breakout roles, the challenges of working alongside legends like Denzel Washington, and his perspective on nostalgia and the importance of living in the moment.
Key Takeaways:
- Hawke’s career was significantly shaped by his early collaborations with Richard Linklater, particularly the "Before Sunrise" trilogy and "Boyhood."
- He emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or romanticizing previous eras.
- Hawke credits his experience with Linklater for preparing him to work with formidable talents like Denzel Washington, whom he found intimidating.
- He praises Taylor Swift’s creative vision and her ability to empower herself as a director and performer, comparing her cultural impact to that of The Beatles.
- Despite his achievements, Hawke remains future-focused and eager to continue pursuing his passion for acting and filmmaking.
From Indie Roots to "Dead Poets Society"
Hawke emerged during the 1990s indie film boom. His early roles in films like "Explorers" alongside River Phoenix provided a foundation. However, his breakthrough came with Peter Weir’s "Dead Poets Society," which launched him into the mainstream. He then was inspired by Richard Linklater’s film, “Slacker” and was able to meet Linklater through a theater troupe with Anthony Rapp.
The "Before" Trilogy and a Collaborative Partnership
Hawke’s career trajectory shifted significantly upon meeting Richard Linklater. After seeing an early screening of “Dazed and Confused” he and Linklater quickly established a connection, leading to Hawke’s casting in "Before Sunrise." He recounted the audition process and the dynamic he developed with co-star Julie Delpy. He shared a story where he had to improvise a way to get her character off a train. This improvisation helped get the job done. The film’s success at Sundance in 1995 marked a pivotal moment. Hawke reflected on the festival’s atmosphere and how filmmakers like Linklater and Quentin Tarantino yearned for the perceived golden age of cinema.
The Allure of the Past and Living in the Moment
Hawke referenced Woody Allen’s "Midnight in Paris" to illustrate the human tendency to idealize the past, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the present. Hawke and Linklater continued collaborating on eight additional films, including this year’s “Blue Moon”, two sequels to “Before Sunrise”, and “Boyhood.”
Facing Legends: "Training Day" and Denzel Washington
Hawke discussed his experience working on "Training Day" with Denzel Washington. He described the audition as intimidating, with Washington improvising throughout. Hawke drew upon his experience with Linklater to remain composed and secure the role, earning his first Oscar nomination.
Connecting with New Generations: Taylor Swift and the "Fortnight" Music Video
Hawke shared the story of how his daughter, Maya Hawke, connected him with Taylor Swift, leading to his appearance in her "Fortnight" music video. He praised Swift’s creative vision, her empowerment as a director, and her cultural impact, drawing comparisons to The Beatles. Hawke also discussed his experience watching Swift’s Eras tour which he described as people coming together in a room, dancing and caring about poetry, ideas, and expression.
Looking Ahead
In response to an audience question about what he’s learned from revisiting his previous work, Hawke admitted to being more focused on the future. Despite receiving accolades like the Variety Virtuoso Award, he expressed a desire to continue challenging himself and contributing to the world of filmmaking. His willingness to take on new challenges and his appreciation for the present moment signal a promising future for the actor.