Ethan Hawke: ‘The world has always been run by monsters — we live in a terrifying time’

Hollywood actor and filmmaker Ethan Hawke reflected on global politics and the state of humanity while promoting his new film Blue Moon at the Berlin International Film Festival, saying that history has always been shaped by “monsters.”

Speaking at a Berlin hotel near Potsdamer Platz, Hawke stopped short of naming any political figures but made his point clear.

We think we’re living in crazy times — and we are,” he said. “But the truth is, the world has always been run by greedy, self-centered people who don’t have the public’s best interest at heart.”

Hawke stars as lyricist Lorenz “Larry” Hart in Blue Moon, directed by longtime collaborator Richard Linklater. The film explores Hart’s final meeting with composer Richard Rodgers in 1943 — a portrait of genius, addiction, and loneliness.

Transforming into Hart, Hawke said the role “took everything out of me.”i didn’t go out for months — I just disappeared,” he said.

The actor also addressed the ongoing debate over representation in film, defending the art of transformation.acting is about empathy,” Hawke said. “I understand why representation matters, but I also believe actors should be free to imagine being anyone.”

Blue Moon marks Hawke’s ninth collaboration with Linklater, following their acclaimed Before Sunrise trilogy and Boyhood. He will next appear in The Black Phone 2 and the upcoming FX/Hulu series The Lowdown, where he plays an investigative journalist exposing corruption.

Despite four Oscar nominations, Hawke said awards are not what drive him.Winning an Oscar isn’t my life’s goal,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay curious and do meaningful work.”