Richard Linklater Made Ethan Hawke Relearn Acting for 'Blue Moon'

A Unique Collaboration: Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke

In the film "Blue Moon," lyricist Lorenz Hart attends the opening night of "Oklahoma!" — the first musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. This moment marks a significant point in the history of American theater, but it also serves as a backdrop for exploring the dynamics between creative partnerships. Rodgers, a composer, was once Hart's collaborator, but their relationship eventually broke down as they grew apart in the early 1940s.

Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke have managed to maintain a long-lasting friendship and professional collaboration, which stands in contrast to the experiences of other famous duos like Rodgers and Hart. During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, Hawke expressed his gratitude for their enduring bond. He described their relationship as a blessing, emphasizing that their shared interests and passions have kept them connected over the years.

Linklater echoed this sentiment, noting that they are drawn to similar topics and ideas. Hawke added that they found each other at a time when both were clear about their life goals. This clarity helped them avoid the common fate of drifting apart, as seen in the case of Rodgers and Hart, who were young when they started collaborating and experienced significant changes as they aged.

The Evolution of Their Partnership

Hawke humorously remarked that even though he was young when they first worked together on "Before Sunrise" in 1995, he was already well-formed as an artist. The two had been discussing the script for "Blue Moon" for years, knowing it was a project they would eventually pursue. Hawke needed to age into the role, and over time, they would reunite to read through the script and discuss the story — one that explores the struggles of an artist grappling with alcoholism and depression while watching his former partner rise in their career.

The influence of Rodgers and Hart's music can be seen throughout their work. For example, during the filming of "Before Sunset" in 2004, they repeatedly listened to "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," performed by Ella Fitzgerald, while walking through the streets of Paris. The song's lyrics reflect the theme of change and the passage of time, which resonates deeply with the narrative of "Blue Moon."

The Journey to 'Blue Moon'

It wasn’t until recently that Linklater felt it was the right time for Hawke to take on the role. At this point, Hawke is six years older than Hart was when he passed away, making him more suited for the part. Hawke stars in "Blue Moon," which premiered at TIFF before its limited release on October 17 from Sony Pictures Classics, opposite Andrew Scott as Rodgers.

The process of preparing for the role involved multiple read-throughs and discussions. Hawke and Linklater recalled their last read-through, which took place in New York at Hawke’s apartment. After finishing, they both felt a sense of excitement and knew it was time to move forward. “It’s time,” they said in unison.

Hawke emphasized that he had grown into the role, not just in age but in his understanding of his craft. Over the past decade, he has learned a great deal about acting and has become more prepared to tackle challenging roles. This growth allowed him to embrace the transformation required for "Blue Moon."

A New Challenge for Ethan Hawke

"Blue Moon" represents a significant shift for Hawke, as it requires him to step away from the charming, slick leading man persona he often portrays. Linklater encouraged Hawke to explore new dimensions of his performance, pushing him to dig deeper into his skills and capabilities.

Hawke credited Linklater for this approach, noting that working with the same director multiple times allows them to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. In this case, Linklater challenged Hawke to abandon any tools he had previously used, forcing him to confront his own vanity and limitations.

The physical transformation required for the role was also significant. Hawke shaved his head and adopted a different appearance, which was a stark contrast to his usual look. Linklater joked about the changes, recalling their conversations about how Hawke would look. He even told Hawke, “No one has ever wanted to sleep with you. Ever. Not now, ever. Start from there.”

The Emotional Depth of the Role

The song "My Funny Valentine" takes on new meaning in the context of the film, as it reflects the personal struggles of the character. Hawke noted that the lyrics resonate deeply, highlighting the emotional weight of the story.

Linklater praised the poignant nature of the lyrics, describing them as biting, funny, and ultimately sad. He emphasized the emotional impact of the music and its connection to the themes explored in the film.

As "Blue Moon" prepares for its release, it marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Linklater and Hawke. Their collaboration continues to evolve, showcasing their commitment to exploring new artistic challenges and pushing the boundaries of their craft.