**Excerpt:** Ethan Hawke discusses his role in “Blue Moon,” his acting journey, and the importance of appreciating life’s moments.
Key Points
– Ethan Hawke stars as Lorenz Hart in the film “Blue Moon,” depicting the famed songwriter’s struggles.
– The movie recreates historical settings, including the iconic Sardi’s restaurant.
– Hawke’s performance involved significant dialogue, marking a challenging role in his career.
– He emphasizes the importance of not letting early successes define one’s career trajectory.
– Hawke expresses gratitude for his career and the recognition he’s receiving, including a portrait at Sardi’s.
Ethan Hawke on “Blue Moon”
Background of “Blue Moon”
Ethan Hawke portrays Lorenz Hart in “Blue Moon,” a film that delves into the life of the talented yet troubled songwriter. Hart, famous for his collaborations with Richard Rodgers, faced challenges during his career, particularly due to alcoholism. The film’s narrative is set against the backdrop of Broadway’s vibrant history, including a pivotal night at Sardi’s after the premiere of “Oklahoma!” in 1943.
Filming and Preparation
For “Blue Moon,” the crew recreated Sardi’s on a soundstage, but Hawke had the opportunity to visit the real location. He expressed a personal connection to the venue, humorously reflecting on his aspiration to have his own portrait displayed there someday. Hawke took on the challenge of portraying Hart, who was significantly shorter than him, using camera techniques and a physical transformation to embody the character fully.
Learning from Experience
Hawke reflected on his early career, particularly his experience working alongside Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society.” He noted the importance of resilience in the face of criticism and the need to avoid allowing early successes to define his entire career. He remarked, “If you let it be the high-water mark of your life, it will be.”
The Journey Continues
With a successful career that includes multiple Oscar nominations and a Broadway debut, Hawke acknowledges the ups and downs of show business. He candidly discussed how the industry can favor youth and how he navigated periods where offers became scarce. Hawke humorously noted, “Around the same time gray starts appearing in your beard,” highlighting the realities of aging in the entertainment world.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
During his visit to Sardi’s, Hawke received a surprise honor when the restaurant’s owner offered to hang his portrait among the greats. This recognition came as a culmination of his dedication to his craft. He shared his feelings about the potential Oscar buzz surrounding “Blue Moon,” acknowledging that while awards are meaningful, he does not take any success for granted. “I don’t take any of it for granted. That’s, I guess, the right answer,” he concluded, embodying a philosophy of hope and gratitude as he continues his journey in the arts.
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