Ethan Hawke has a new role to play - that of Lorenz Hart, the troubled lyricist from Oklahoma! in Richard Linklater's Blue Moon. The 11th collaboration between the director and actor sees Hawke navigating the highs and lows of Hart's life as he struggles with addiction and creative blockages.
As they sat in their plush hotel suite, sipping coffee and reminiscing about old times, it was clear that this film marked a departure from their previous collaborations. Hawke has played a version of himself before, but Hart required a much bigger performance. "It felt like I had to learn a whole different instrument," he confesses.
To transform into the 48-year-old Hart, Hawke shaved his head and donned a signature combover. The effect was striking - as if he was wearing a disguise that belied his true self. His wife, Ryan Shawhughes, has joked about how much she loves him "before" and "after" he puts on the wig.
Hawke's experience with playing Hart was not without its challenges. "It felt like I was hitting the wall of my talent," he admits, recalling the struggles to find his character's voice and mannerisms. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially when compared to previous roles that came more naturally.
Linklater empathizes with Hawke's plight, remembering his own experiences with addiction. "You have to make decisions for the good of the ship," he says, reflecting on how he handled similar situations in his own career. The director notes that addiction is a significant challenge, but also recognizes that it's not unique to artists.
The conversation turns to the fleeting nature of success and fame in the film industry. Hawke cautions against equating success with wealth, arguing that good art is what truly matters. "That's why we're here," he says, gesturing towards their hotel suite.
Linklater chuckles at this perspective, suggesting that making a movie like Blue Moon might be considered the equivalent of playing in the major leagues. The two collaborators have maintained a steady pace throughout their careers, refusing to lose sight of their passion for storytelling.
As they continue to chat and laugh, it's clear that Hawke and Linklater are more than just director and actor - they're partners in creative crime, united by their love of filmmaking and a commitment to the craft. Their partnership has endured despite decades of change, providing a rare example of artistic stability in an ever-shifting industry.
As they near the end of our conversation, Linklater stands up, his energy still high as he approaches old age. Hawke, though, seems wiser for the wear, reflecting on the toll that the profession can take on one's idealism and curiosity. He acknowledges the loss of innocence that comes with experience, but also insists that there is a way to maintain that sense of wonder.
As we wrap up our conversation, it's hard not to feel grateful for the enduring bond between Hawke and Linklater. Theirs is a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared love of storytelling - qualities that will undoubtedly see them through to their next creative endeavor.
As they sat in their plush hotel suite, sipping coffee and reminiscing about old times, it was clear that this film marked a departure from their previous collaborations. Hawke has played a version of himself before, but Hart required a much bigger performance. "It felt like I had to learn a whole different instrument," he confesses.
To transform into the 48-year-old Hart, Hawke shaved his head and donned a signature combover. The effect was striking - as if he was wearing a disguise that belied his true self. His wife, Ryan Shawhughes, has joked about how much she loves him "before" and "after" he puts on the wig.
Hawke's experience with playing Hart was not without its challenges. "It felt like I was hitting the wall of my talent," he admits, recalling the struggles to find his character's voice and mannerisms. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially when compared to previous roles that came more naturally.
Linklater empathizes with Hawke's plight, remembering his own experiences with addiction. "You have to make decisions for the good of the ship," he says, reflecting on how he handled similar situations in his own career. The director notes that addiction is a significant challenge, but also recognizes that it's not unique to artists.
The conversation turns to the fleeting nature of success and fame in the film industry. Hawke cautions against equating success with wealth, arguing that good art is what truly matters. "That's why we're here," he says, gesturing towards their hotel suite.
Linklater chuckles at this perspective, suggesting that making a movie like Blue Moon might be considered the equivalent of playing in the major leagues. The two collaborators have maintained a steady pace throughout their careers, refusing to lose sight of their passion for storytelling.
As they continue to chat and laugh, it's clear that Hawke and Linklater are more than just director and actor - they're partners in creative crime, united by their love of filmmaking and a commitment to the craft. Their partnership has endured despite decades of change, providing a rare example of artistic stability in an ever-shifting industry.
As they near the end of our conversation, Linklater stands up, his energy still high as he approaches old age. Hawke, though, seems wiser for the wear, reflecting on the toll that the profession can take on one's idealism and curiosity. He acknowledges the loss of innocence that comes with experience, but also insists that there is a way to maintain that sense of wonder.
As we wrap up our conversation, it's hard not to feel grateful for the enduring bond between Hawke and Linklater. Theirs is a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared love of storytelling - qualities that will undoubtedly see them through to their next creative endeavor.
he looks so different from what i'm used to seeing him in other movies but it's crazy how much range he has now... also love that linklater and hawke are still vibing like no time has passed at all 
they're proof that you can make good art even after a decade or two of working together 
He shaved his head and got that combover - it's like he changed his whole vibe! It's amazing how much research he put into the role, it really paid off. But what I love about this film is how it doesn't shy away from the darker side of life. Addiction can be such a tough pill to swallow 
And I think Hawke and Linklater handled it with so much care and compassion. It's not always easy to make films that tackle these kinds of issues, but they're doing something really important here. The thing is, this film isn't just about Lorenz Hart - it's also about the fleeting nature of success in the arts 
I feel like we can all relate to that feeling of wondering if we'll ever truly be seen or heard for our work.
. He's more like, yeah, this is a problem that affects people, and we should be talking about it in a respectful way 
. And Linklater's approach to directing Hawke was really interesting - I love how he's always pushing the boundaries of storytelling 
. Like, we shouldn't just be chasing fame and fortune; let's focus on making something truly meaningful 
. Anyways, it's clear that the bond between Hawke and Linklater is still super strong 
.
I'm low-key obsessed with Ethan Hawke's transformation into Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon 
! The way he shaved his head and donned the combover was 
genius, it was like watching a whole different person step out of the hotel suite 
. 
- I've been there too, feeling like I'm stuck in a rut and can't seem to find my voice 
.
. It's clear they have an unbreakable bond 
.
- it's so true! The passion and dedication required to create something meaningful is what truly matters 
. And Linklater's comment about making a movie like Blue Moon being like playing in the major leagues 
was 
.
. Hawke and Linklater are proof that with mutual respect, trust, and a shared love of storytelling, you can create something truly special 
.
. What's the point of having a sophisticated algorithm if it just churns out the same old stuff we've seen before? Don't get me wrong, I love Richard Linklater as much as the next guy, but this whole "collaboration" thing seems like a marketing ploy to me... 
.
. Plus, I love how he keeps it real about the fleeting nature of success in the film industry - let's not forget that true art is what truly matters 
. Hawke and Linklater are proof that you can stay true to your art while still growing as individuals 
! He totally transformed into Lorenz Hart, and I mean, who wouldn't want to see him with a combover 
!
. The fact that he shaved his head and donned a combover just to get into character is wild, right? 
.
.
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