On Film…With Kevin McCarthy Ep. 11 - Ethan Hawke talks Blue Moon, The Before Trilogy, Training Day, Richard Linklater, White Fang, Filmmaking, Cinematography, Film Score, Favorite Movies and more!
Nov 19, 2025
Ethan Hawke, the acclaimed actor, writer, and director known for his roles in Training Day and the Before trilogy, dives deep into filmmaking and his creative journey. He reflects on the emotional evolution of Jesse and Celine in the Before films and how cinema shapes community experiences. Hawke shares insights on the intricacies of character preparation, his collaborations with legendary directors like Richard Linklater, and the artistry of cinematography. He also discusses the impact of parenthood on his acting and the profound connection between music and film.
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Movies As Communal Memory
- Ethan Hawke says movie theaters satisfy a human longing for community beyond profit motives.
- He remembers theatrical viewings by their place in life, not just the film's content.
Discovering The Before Trilogy Later
- Kevin McCarthy admits he watched the Before trilogy back-to-back after never having seen them before.
- Ethan Hawke describes the characters as a "shadow self" and felt a sense of completion after the third film.
Let Details Define Character
- Choose costume and props deliberately because small visual details communicate non-verbally about a character.
- Care about those specifics; audiences notice when filmmakers didn't.
