Ethan Hawke Calls for Bold Art in Today’s Political Climate

At the Berlin Film Festival on Tuesday, Ethan Hawke encouraged industry leaders to advocate for offensive art from filmmakers, emphasizing its importance in a politically charged environment. Joined by co-stars Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, and director Richard Linklater, Hawke participated in a press conference for their new film, Blue Moon.

The Need for Audiences to Demand Change

When questioned about the creation of provocative art in Hollywood during these challenging times, Hawke pointed out that many executives are overly focused on profit. He stated, “Audiences have to care — [otherwise] they don’t sell, you guys. The community must prioritize offensive art in our discussions. If we let financial gain dictate our choices, we end up with generic content that aims to please the largest audience, and we’re led to believe that’s the pinnacle of success.”

Demanding Offensive Art

He further urged, “If you appreciate offensive art and want to see more of it, then demand it. It will be produced. Currently, there’s a perception that it won’t generate profit, which is why it often doesn’t get made.” His remarks resonated with the audience, earning him applause from the gathered international journalists.

Insights on Blue Moon

Linklater’s latest project, Blue Moon, explores the final days of Lorenz Hart (played by Hawke), one half of the renowned songwriting duo Rodgers & Hart, set against the backdrop of Sardi’s Restaurant on the opening night of Oklahoma! on March 31, 1943.

Art as Escapism

Linklater commented, “Offensive times often inspire offensive art. However, films, in particular, have traditionally served as a form of escapism. Most people seek a way to escape reality, and I believe there’s actually less offensive art being produced today compared to the past.”

Staying True to Artistic Vision

When asked about compromising artistic integrity for commercial success, Linklater replied, “I don’t think I’ve compromised much at all over the years. This is a low-budget film — we have the freedom to create as we wish. While the film industry can often present a clash between art and commerce, I’ve largely avoided that conflict throughout my career.”

A Personal Connection

Qualley shared her admiration for Linklater and Hawke’s previous collaborations, stating, “When I was around 16 or 17, I turned to their films to help me understand myself. It felt surreal to work with them, having grown up watching their work.” She added with a laugh, “To prepare for this role, I simply followed their guidance.”

Supporting Each Other’s Performances

In response to Qualley’s comments, Hawke expressed his appreciation for her dedication, stating, “I was truly impressed by her commitment. It’s exciting to see younger artists passionately engaging with their work.”

Looking Ahead

Scott mentioned that his role primarily involved supporting Hawke’s performance, noting, “It was easy to establish a rapport with Ethan and witness his incredible transformation.”

Linklater’s Blue Moon is set to premiere Tuesday night at the Berlin Film Festival, which runs from February 13-23. His previous project, Boyhood, won the Silver Bear at the 2014 Berlinale, showcasing his commitment to innovative storytelling.

Persons

Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, Richard Linklater

Company Names

N/A

Titles

Blue Moon, Oklahoma!, Before trilogy, Boyhood

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.