Key Takeaways
- Ethan Hawke received the Variety Virtuoso Award at the Miami Film Festival, celebrating his extensive and diverse career.
- Hawke discussed his early career influences, highlighting Richard Linklater’s impact and the improvisational nature of their collaborations.
- He shared anecdotes about working with acting legends like Denzel Washington and his recent experience with Taylor Swift.
- Hawke emphasized the importance of living in the moment and embracing the present rather than romanticizing the past.
- Hawke expressed his enthusiasm for future projects and his desire to continue pushing creative boundaries.
Summary
Ethan Hawke, a prominent figure in the indie film scene of the 1990s, was honored with the Variety Virtuoso Award at the Miami Film Festival. During a conversation with Variety’s co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, Hawke reflected on his distinguished career, touching on his collaborations, influences, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This year has been particularly fruitful for Hawke, with a leading role in Richard Linklater’s "Blue Moon," a return to "The Black Phone 2," a role in FX’s "The Lowdown," directing a documentary about Merle Haggard, and narrating Apple TV’s "Vietnam: The War That Changed America."
Hawke’s early career was marked by roles in films like "Explorers" and "Dead Poets Society," where he starred alongside Robin Williams. However, it was Richard Linklater’s "Slacker" that truly resonated with him, sparking a desire to create similar work. His involvement in a theater troupe with Anthony Rapp allowed him to see an early cut of "Dazed and Confused", which further ignited his passion. Meeting Linklater eventually led to his casting in "Before Sunrise," a film that would define a significant part of his career.
Hawke shared an anecdote about improvising a scene with Julie Delpy, his "Before Sunrise" co-star. In a scene where his character is supposed to convince her to get off of a train with him, but Deply insisted that her character never would. Hawke said he came up with the idea where he would be telling her that he was a time traveler and that if she doesn’t get off the train, she’s going to spend the rest of her life wondering what would’ve happened if she had, and if she does, she’ll be so much happier knowing that I’m as boring and stupid as all the other men in her life, but at least she won’t have to wonder. This moment highlighted the experimental and conversational nature of Linklater’s filmmaking, a quality that contributes to the film’s enduring charm.
Reflecting on the premiere of "Before Sunrise" at Sundance in 1995, Hawke acknowledged the tendency to romanticize the past. He quoted Woody Allen’s "Midnight in Paris," emphasizing the human tendency to believe a previous era was superior. Hawke stressed the importance of appreciating the present moment and recognizing its unique value. This sentiment is particularly relevant given his continued collaboration with Linklater, resulting in films like "Blue Moon," the "Before Sunrise" sequels, and "Boyhood," a project filmed over 18 years.
Hawke also recounted his experience working with Denzel Washington in "Training Day." He described the intimidating audition process, where Washington improvised throughout the screen test. Hawke credited his experience with Linklater for helping him maintain his composure and ultimately land the role, which earned him his first Oscar nomination. Over the years, Hawke has shared the screen and stage with various notable actors, including Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ben Stiller, and Julia Stiles.
More recently, Hawke collaborated with Taylor Swift in her "Fortnight" music video. He thanked his daughter, Maya Hawke, for connecting him with Swift, who is a fan of "Dead Poets Society." Hawke expressed admiration for Swift’s empowerment and willingness to take on directorial roles, comparing her cultural impact to that of The Beatles. He noted how Swift’s Eras tour brings people together, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for art and expression.
In response to audience questions, Hawke admitted to being "future-centric," always looking forward to his next project. Despite the accolades he’s received, he remains driven to continue creating and exploring new opportunities, eager to prove himself and contribute further to the world of film.
