Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater Discuss 'Blue Moon' at Berlin Festival

At the Berlin Film Festival, director Richard Linklater and actor Ethan Hawke discussed the challenges of creating 'offensive art' in a financially driven Hollywood during a press conference for their film 'Blue Moon.' Hawke emphasized that audiences need to demand such art for it to be produced, criticizing the industry's tendency to prioritize profit over creativity, leading to generic content. Linklater acknowledged that while offensive times may inspire offensive art, movies have traditionally served as escapism. 'Blue Moon' explores the final days of lyricist Lorenz Hart as he grapples with his struggles amid the backdrop of World War II and the opening of the musical 'Oklahoma!' This collaboration marks the first film between Linklater and Hawke in over a decade, following their previous work together on 'Boyhood.' Both artists encourage a renewed commitment to subversive filmmaking that resonates with contemporary issues.