In a recent interview, Ethan Hawke reflected on his career, highlighting his experience working with Robin Williams during the filming of Dead Poets Society. He revealed how Williams’ unexpected improvisation on set fundamentally changed his understanding of acting, offering a new perspective on creative freedom during production.
Hawke described observing director Peter Weir as he managed Williams, whom he called a “comic genius.” Although Williams was known for his comedy, dramatic acting was still unfamiliar territory for him at the time.
“But dramatic acting was still new to Robin at that time,”
Ethan Hawke said, further emphasizing the challenge of guiding such a dynamic performer.
“And watching that relationship like, in the room — I was four feet away while they’re talking about performance — and that was something you don’t unsee.”
The Impact of Williams’ Improvisational Style on Set
Rather than sticking strictly to the script, Robin Williams often improvised scenes, surprising Hawke. The actor shared that Williams did not seek permission from director Peter Weir before deviating from the written lines, which opened Hawke’s mind to a new way of acting.
“And that was a new door that was opened to my brain, that you could play like that,”
Hawke explained.
“And Peter liked it, as long as we still achieved the same goals that the script had.”
Despite their different methods, Williams and Weir maintained mutual respect and collaboration throughout the process. Hawke observed that this blend of distinct creative approaches was what made their partnership fruitful.
“That’s exciting — that’s when you get at the stuff of what great collaboration can do.”
The Importance of Collaborative Creativity in Filmmaking
Hawke stressed that creative partners don’t need to share the same working style or personal views to produce exceptional work. He highlighted the value of embracing varied perspectives, which enhances the artistic process. Referring to filmmaking as a collective effort, he said movies become more meaningful when they include multiple viewpoints rather than one dominant vision.
“It’s containing multiple perspectives,”
Hawke added, underscoring how collaboration enriches the final product.
Dead Poets Society remains one of Robin Williams’ most celebrated roles, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor with his portrayal of John Keating. The film also brought Ethan Hawke deserved recognition for his role as Todd Anderson, marking an important milestone in both their careers.
