Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater on ‘Blue Moon,’ Cash vs Art: “When We Prioritize Money, We Get Generic Material”

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Ethan Hawke encourages you to ask filmmakers for bold, provocative artwork in today’s politically charged climate.

At the Berlin International Film Festival on Tuesday, actors Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, and director Richard Linklater gathered for a press event to discuss their upcoming movie titled “Blue Moon.”

On Tuesday at the Berlin Film Festival, Ethan Hawke was accompanied by his co-stars Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, and filmmaker Richard Linklater for a press conference regarding their latest project, “Blue Moon.

When queried on creating provocative artwork amidst Hollywood’s need for a beacon of light during a dark period, Hawke succinctly pointed out that those in power are excessively motivated by financial gains.

The speaker emphasized that audiences need to value and care for the content being presented, as it’s only through their engagement that it sells. They went on to say that the community should view controversial art as significant and worthy of discussion. It needs to matter to us. Unfortunately, when we solely focus on making a profit, we end up with unoriginal material that caters to a wide audience, and we’re led to believe this is the ideal.

He added: “If you’re a fan of controversial art and you yearn for it, then express your desire, and it will be created. Currently, creators believe they won’t earn profit from it, so it remains unmade,” he concluded, sparking applause from the gathering of international reporters.

In my gaming world, I find myself immersed in Linklater’s latest flick, where I step into the shoes of Lorenz Hart, famously known as Hawk, one-half of the musical duo Rodgers & Hart. The story unfolds around Sardi’s Restaurant on a momentous night – March 31, 1943 – the grand opening of the groundbreaking production, Oklahoma! This cinematic adventure is my journey through the highs and lows of that unforgettable evening.

Linklater commented: “Critical periods tend to spawn provocative works. However, art, especially films, have always served as an escape. So, I’m not sure. I believe that a significant part of human nature desires some form of escape. Perhaps there is less controversial art today than in the past.

When asked if he ever compromised in the movie-making process for any reason, Linklater answered: “I haven’t compromised much at all throughout my career. Being a low-budget film, we have the freedom to do whatever we desire… The film industry is often a mix of art and business, with its share of challenges. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid such complications over the years.

Over time, Qualley confessed that she often leaned towards the collaborations between Linklater and Hawke, including the “Before” series. “As a teenager, around 16 or 17, I was seeking self-discovery, and their movies, particularly those of Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke, played a significant role in that process,” she explained. She added humorously, “So, it felt quite extraordinary to be given the chance to work with them, considering how much I’ve admired their films and their creative partnership.” Laughing, she admitted, “To get ready for this project, I simply followed their instructions.

As Qualley praised me, I couldn’t help but feel impressed by her dedication. Here’s hoping this sets an example for the next generation of gamers, showing them how to approach their craft with passion. Frankly, it was a thrill seeing her in action!

Additionally, elsewhere, Scott stated that his primary function seemed to be in boosting Hawke’s acting. “I found it effortless to develop a rapport with Ethan almost instantly, and to witness such an extraordinary metamorphosis.

On Tuesday evening, Linklater’s movie titled “Blue Moon” will debut at the Berlin Film Festival, which takes place from February 13th to the 23rd. Previously, his long-term project “Boyhood,” which won the Silver Bear award in 2014 at the Berlinale film festival.

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2025-02-18 16:54