During the Berlin Film Festival, Ethan Hawke addressed the heated political debate surrounding the responsibilities of public figures, particularly artists, to comment on social and political issues. Speaking at the press conference for his new historical drama The Weight, Hawke suggested that “jet-lagged, drunk artists” might not be the most reliable source for serious political guidance, reflecting skepticism about the role of celebrities in political discourse.
Hawke Reflects on Cinema’s Collective Responsibility
Hawke responded to a question about whether prominent figures must speak out against fascism by emphasizing the imaginative power of cinema. He compared the festival to an international dream state where ideas and concerns are shared, describing it as a collective experience that shapes public conversation and thought. He explained:
“I believe in the power of cinema to affect… you know how every night we all dream and those dreams kind of heal us and get us ready for the next day? I feel like, collectively, the whole festival — all of you, all of us here — are responsible for creating an international dream life. What is it? What are our dreams? What are we talking about? What are we thinking about?”
Hawke indicated that cinema has the unique ability to unite people around shared aspirations and concerns, even if the connection appears tenuous at first.
The Core Message of “The Weight” and Opposition to Fascism
Hawke expressed his personal attraction to The Weight because it centers on a diverse group uniting against exploitation and greed. He described the film’s message as one worth defending, stating:
“At its core, it’s about a group of people who don’t think they have anything in common who band together to fight institutional greed and malevolence. And that’s worth fighting for.”
When explicitly asked about fascism, he gave a clear statement of support against it:
“Anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
Political Sensitivities Surrounding the Festival
The Berlin Film Festival has become a focal point for politically charged conversations, particularly this year amid growing concerns about global events, including the conflict in Gaza and far-right political movements. The event saw several high-profile figures, like jury president Wim Wenders and actors Michelle Yeoh and Neil Patrick Harris, refrain from commenting on these issues. This silence prompted over 80 festival participants, including Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, and Adam McKay, to send an open letter criticizing the festival’s muted stance on the Gaza conflict and other political crises.
Hawke Addresses the Debate on Celebrity Political Engagement
Confronted again about current political controversies and asked about his views on Gaza in light of the open letter, Hawke acknowledged his previous experience facing backlash for speaking out. He said:
“The last time I spoke publicly about any of this, I was really shocked about how much animosity it was met with, You know, people saying, ‘Actors shouldn’t talk about politics’ and things like that. And I really feel like the answer is the absolute inverse, that everybody should be — we’re all citizens of the world and all of us matter, all of us have a voice and everybody’s welcome to disagree. That’s part of the benefit of living in a free society.”
Hawke clarified that while artists often receive platforms, their role is not to dictate opinions but to share their work and perspectives. He emphasized the limits of celebrity influence by admitting:
“We’re just sharing art. We’re not some of the greatest minds in the world that try to make the planet live in peace.”
Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of collective responsibility toward future generations, urging adults to ensure that “all the children” and young people inherit a better world.
He concluded his remarks with a direct acknowledgment to the journalist posing the questions, stating:
“I feel like there’s a slight agenda to your question that’s different from my agenda, But I respect you and I respect the question.”
About “The Weight” and Its Berlin Premiere
Hawke stars in director Padraic McKinley’s The Weight, which had its European premiere as a Special Gala at the Berlin Film Festival alongside Russell Crowe, though Crowe was absent from the press conference. The cast included Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, and Sam Hazeldine.
The film debuted internationally at Sundance Film Festival and follows a group of desperate convicts on a perilous journey through difficult and morally challenging terrain. Hawke’s performance has been described as muscular and nuanced, portraying a reluctant yet resilient hero, while Crowe plays a quietly menacing counterpart. Julia Jones adds depth as Anna, the only woman among the group, with dignity and defiance.
Ethan Hawke’s Ongoing Relationship with Berlin
Hawke has a longstanding history with the Berlin Film Festival, having premiered all three films in Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy there. In the prior year, Hawke and Linklater unveiled the Lorenz Hart biopic Blue Moon in competition. That film earned Hawke notable best actor nominations from the Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and SAG awards, cementing his presence at Berlin as a festival regular and acclaimed actor.
