Key Takeaways
- Richard Linklater's new films, 'Nouvelle Vague' and 'Blue Moon,' are extensively reviewed.
- Ethan Hawke's performance in 'Blue Moon' is highlighted as a potential Oscar contender.
- The 12-year collaborative journey between Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke is explored.
- Movie news, including Tom Cruise's honorary Oscar and the live-action 'Moana' teaser, is discussed.
- The episode delves into artistic relevance, creative control, and the future of filmmaking.
- Guests reflect on the impact of reduced attention spans on art and literature.
Deep Dive
- Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discuss Tom Cruise receiving an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards.
- Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas were also honored, while Dolly Parton was unable to attend.
- The live-action 'Moana' teaser trailer prompts discussion, questioning its necessity given the original's recent release and enduring popularity.
- The song 'Where You Are' from 'Moana' is praised as a masterpiece for its themes of yearning and self-discovery.
- Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' is set in late 1950s Paris, focusing on Jean-Luc Godard making 'Breathless'.
- The film, which premiered at Cannes, is described as an empathetic and nostalgic homage to early Linklater films and French New Wave cinema.
- Zoe Deutch as Jean Seberg and Guillaume Marbeck as Godard are noted for their performances and resemblance to historical figures.
- Available on Netflix in the U.S., the film is characterized as an interesting, experimental exercise in collaboration and artistic integrity.
- 'Blue Moon,' written by Robert Kaplow, marks the ninth collaboration between Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater.
- Set in 1943, the film centers on lyricist Lorenz Hart confronting personal struggles on the opening night of 'Oklahoma!'.
- Praised as a favorite film, it is described as tightly written, idea-driven, and performance-focused, with a pervasive sense of sadness.
- Ethan Hawke's performance as the outwardly charming but inwardly embittered Hart is highlighted as a departure from his typical roles.
- Ethan Hawke's portrayal of Lorenz Hart in 'Blue Moon' depicts a witty yet delusional man grappling with lost talent and alcoholism.
- The film incorporates fictionalized cameos, including E.B. White and a young Stephen Sondheim, adding humorous historical nods.
- Hawke's naturalistic acting style is evident in this low-budget production, shot in just 15 days.
- His performance in 'Blue Moon' is considered one of his career's best, embodying a character facing artistic and personal decline.
- The hosts discuss potential Oscar nominations for Ethan Hawke's performance in 'Blue Moon.'
- Industry predictions from Variety and Awards Watch are analyzed regarding Hawke's chances in the Best Actor race.
- Hawke is considered a strong contender in a competitive year alongside other actors like Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke discuss 'Blue Moon,' their first collaboration in 12 years.
- The film underwent a lengthy development process, with script drafts beginning in 2012 and multiple revisions over a decade.
- They humorously note that the decade-long gap between projects allowed Hawke to age into the role, facilitating a precise narrative 'bullseye.'
- 'Blue Moon' was a persistent project on their creative to-do list, reflecting a shared belief in its execution.
- Ethan Hawke explains his character in 'Blue Moon' required a significant shift from his typical on-screen persona.
- He and Richard Linklater discuss the complexities of their long-term collaboration, emphasizing honesty and avoiding creative stagnation.
- Linklater's directorial approach provides specific, actionable directions to actors, essential for their 30-year trust and communication shorthand.
- The film was shot within a tight 15-day schedule, emphasizing collaborative spirit and actors' preparedness for long takes.
- Ethan Hawke and Sean Fennessey explore the pressures of maintaining artistic relevance and avoiding creative decline for artists.
- Hawke expresses a fascination with artists like Tom Stoppard and Bob Dylan who sustain their work into old age.
- Hawke states he has no fears regarding the passage of time or unrealized ambitions, driven by a personal imperative to create.
- He emphasizes the importance of not relinquishing creative control to external industry factors.
- Richard Linklater reflects on his two recent, long-gestating films, 'Nouvelle Vague' and 'Blue Moon,' as dialogues on artistic beginnings and endings.
- The discussion addresses a broader concern about 'the end of something' in cinema, counterbalanced by optimism for new developments.
- Younger generations are observed rejecting manipulated media and short-form content for deeper engagement with art.
- Speakers suggest that every ending in cinema inherently creates a new beginning, fueling artistic cycles.
- Speakers discuss the societal impact of reduced attention spans and the decline of literature as a primary communication form.
- Ethan Hawke shares his personal struggle with distraction, noting the pervasiveness of digital devices affecting memory and focus.
- Art forms like novels and films are described as 'invitations' for contemplation and dialogue, rather than dictating thought.
- Mystery and ambiguity in art are deemed crucial for empowering the audience and enriching the cultural experience.