Ethan Hawke Does Stunning 180 on Political Talk
'Blue Moon' Oscar nominee joins growing chorus of stars eschewing activism
Ethan Hawke is only 55, but he’s a very old soul by Hollywood standards.
The versatile star got plenty of work as a child actor, dating back to films like “Explorers,” “White Fang” and “Dead Poets Society.” And he never stopped, stacking up an impressive crush of roles over three decades including his Oscar-nominated turn in “Blue Moon.”
Hawke plays lyricist Lorenz Hart at a critical time in his life and career. It’s the star’s latest collaboration with director Richard Linklater (“Boyhood,” “Before Sunrise”).
Few actors grasp the Hollywood ecosystem quite like Hawke. Been there, survived that. That’s impressive, given how cutthroat show business can be.
That means he knows that sharing his progressive views won’t hurt his professional standing. Heck, it’ll only help.
Take the politically-charged comments he made last month regarding the current administration. He didn’t mention the name Trump, but he didn’t have to utter it.
“There’s a kind of fear in the air that I’ve never felt before,” he continued. “And it’s not America. To get to be an artist in a free country, I’ve had enough of an education to know what a privilege that is. And I don’t feel that way anymore. And that’s something that has to change.”
Mind you, Hawke didn’t speak up during the rise of Cancel Culture, sensitivity reader censorship, The Twitter Files or other speech assaults.
Now, he sees a frightening new America under a certain U.S. President. And that wasn’t all he’s said about Trump.
Last year, Hawke excoriated the real estate mogul for demanding restitution for the government’s Russia collusion hoax investigation.
Agree? Disagree? Hawke went there all the same. And he didn’t suffer any blowback for that stand. (Nor should he, of course)
Now, Hawke is singing a different tune.
The actor, when pressed about artists addressing political subjects like so-called “fascism,” Hawke offered a radically different take.
“Alright… the last place you probably want to look for advice in your spiritual counsel is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their films.”
He then segued to a more generic commentary on the “power of cinema,” tying it back to his new film, “The Weight.” He capped his response by saying he’s against “fascism,” which is akin to suggesting it’s wrong to kill people or steal from strangers.
It’s as inocuous as possible.
What changed?
Perhaps he’s been reading about other A-list stars who have decided to clam up about politics and let their work speak for them. Or, he may know that while the Legacy Press will fawn over every progressive word he utters, social media users and podcasters will fact-check him.
Either way, Hawke did a remarkably 180 on political “hot takes” in mere weeks.
Uber nerd comment, here: Props to the set designer for attention to detail. When the character of E.B. White was shown writing something in his notes while talking to Hart, he is using a BLACKWING pencil. These are incredible pencils that were popularized by writers of the time. The company almost went out of business, but has found a modern-day-resurgence. A box will cost you around $12. But if you are a writer, they are the single best pencils you will ever use and worth every penny. I know this is the most nerdy thing you will read all day. But trust me. If you write a lot, these pencils are absolute magic to use.
I think you’re giving him too much credit. Hawke’s political views are vacuous enough for him to be “frightened” by what’s going on in the US. (eye roll). He couldn’t give a well-thought-out answer on a GOOD day. Jetlag and a hangover were enough to strip the two extra brain cells he had to form a coherent thought. Just take his response at face value.
There is no change in Ethan. He’s just reading the room. He’ll do another 180 when it suits him. Like the vast majority of mentally ill Hollywood actors, they are all useful idiots for the coming collectivist take over of the United States.
“Frightening America?” It’s only frightening to illegals, those that want to cheat elections, and those that want preferential treatment because of who they prefer to sleep with. Hawke is a moron, like most entertainers.
Sounds like you’re identifying as an entertainer, Rastus.
I would guess the number of H’wood actors that say what they really think rather than what has been poll-tested, scripted by their publicists, or peer-approved is extremely small and rare. And likely none of the bigger names. And guess what? I don’t care what they think. When it comes to issues other than their acting careers and performance, they’re just another stranger yapping on the street.