Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater took center stage at the Berlin Film Festival to present Blue Moon, their latest collaboration. Joined by co-stars Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott, the team discussed the film’s themes, the state of modern cinema, and the struggle between art and commercialism.
The Fight for Bold Art
Hawke spoke passionately about the importance of challenging and provocative cinema, emphasizing that audiences must actively support such work. "If you love offensive art and you want it, then demand it, and you’ll get it," he urged. He criticized the industry’s prioritization of profit over originality, arguing that this leads to "generic material that appeals to the most amount of people." His remarks were met with applause from the assembled international press.
A Story Set on a Pivotal Night in Theater History
Linklater’s Blue Moon is centered around the final days of lyricist Lorenz Hart (played by Hawke), one-half of the legendary Rodgers & Hart songwriting duo. The story unfolds at Sardi’s Restaurant on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Oklahoma!. The film explores Hart’s artistic struggles, personal demons, and the weight of legacy in the entertainment industry, as well as the complexities of his personal life and the pain of a broken relationship.
Linklater, known for his commitment to independent storytelling, stated that he has largely avoided compromising his vision for commercial success. "It’s a low-budget film — we do whatever we want," he said, adding that while Hollywood can be a battleground between art and commerce, he has been "largely spared" from such conflicts.
Margaret Qualley’s Surreal Experience Working with Linklater and Hawke
Qualley, who grew up admiring Linklater and Hawke’s collaborations, described working with them as a surreal experience.
"When I was 16 or 17, trying to figure out who I was, I turned to Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke movies. So to be here working with them is unbelievable," she shared.
Hawke, in turn, praised Qualley’s commitment, saying he was "so impressed" by her dedication to the craft. Meanwhile, Andrew Scott reflected on his supporting role in the film, emphasizing his admiration for Hawke’s transformation into Lorenz Hart. "It was really easy for me to just establish a relationship with Ethan so quickly and watch this incredible transformation," he said.
Blue Moon premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on February 13 and marks another collaboration between Linklater and Hawke, a duo that continues to champion meaningful, character-driven storytelling.
