The Palm Springs International Film Festival hosted a Talking Pictures event with Ethan Hawke, who spoke with a journalist about the making of “Blue Moon,” his relationship with director Richard Linklater and his career, which spans more than 40 years.
Hawke began the conversation by reflecting on his career. “I spend my life just trying to put one foot in front of the other, trying to do the best I can on each given day. So to look back and see the journey and see that anybody cares is meaningful to me,” he said.
Hawke began his career at age 14 in the 1985 film “Explorers.” The interviewer noted it is impressive that his career has endured, given that many child actors struggle to find roles after a few years.
Hawke also spoke about his gratitude, not just for the success of his career but for the opportunities it has provided. “The idea that I would get to be on this stage and be with you and the people here on this Sunday afternoon giving a talk about this movie, it is a dream come true,” he said.
The reporter asked about Hawke’s acceptance speech at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards the previous night and how he has applied the lessons from his journey throughout his career.
“Well, I was really trying to say that if you celebrate a career, mine is not just me. I am a part of it, but it has been shaped by my community. I say that because it’s really true: as we move forward, we shape our world and each other, and audiences get the art they ask for,” Hawke said.
When Hawke was asked about his partnership with director Richard Linklater, which spans nine films over 10 years, he said, “What’s kind of fun about this movie is that it’s a little ode to the theater. Rick made two movies this year; he’s really a brilliant guy. One is a little love letter to the cinema and one is a love letter to the theater. This film is about a moment when an artist is introduced to his irrelevance, and this is the wisdom of Richard that you can really see in both these moments. I’m grateful to have Linklater as a director but also as a great friend.”
Hawke has worked with Linklater for much of his career, most notably on the “Before” trilogy. Their bond as actor and director allows Linklater to draw out Hawke’s talents and make him shine in any role, and this film is no different.
“Blue Moon” is a biographical comedy-drama directed by Richard Linklater and stars Ethan Hawke alongside Andrew Scott, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Jonah Lees. The film follows Lorenz Hart (Hawke) as he reflects on the opening night of “Oklahoma!,” a new musical by his former songwriting partner, Richard Rodgers (Scott).
As the film progresses, Hart is confronted with his own irrelevance, whether in his seemingly one-sided relationship with Yale art student Elizabeth Weiland or his rocky partnership with composer Richard Rodgers.
Ethan Hawke delivers a career-defining performance in Blue Moon, carrying nearly all the dialogue. His work earned him nominations for four of the five major film awards, including a Best Leading Actor nod at the Academy Awards.
Blue Moon had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival and was released in theaters on Oct. 17, 2025. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
