I have a well-documented Ethan Hawke problem. I know I should find him gross, but I just… don’t. I still find him attractive. If anything, I find him more attractive these days than during his ‘90s heyday. Ethan is promoting his new film Good Kill, which is about drones and whether military drones are a good thing, etc. Honestly, the drone talk (from Ethan) is kind of boring. But I enjoyed his thoughts on women, feminism and the roles that got away. Ethan spoke to Larry King about all of this stuff – you can see the video interview here. Some of the assorted quotes I found interesting:

Being directed by a woman: “I have been making movies for thirty years, I’ve probably made over forty movies, and this year is the first time I’ve been directed by a woman. People think that gender equality has happened- and it’s fascinating having three daughters, and seeing the world through their eyes, it really does turn you into a feminist.”

On Dead Poet’s Society: “It’s the only movie I’ve ever done that really changed my life.”

Turning down roles: “One of the best roles I ever turned down, I knew I was wrong for it. They were wrong to offer it to me. The guy who did it was great. The stupidest one I ever turned down was Independence Day, they offered me Will Smith’s part.”

His favorite film: “[My] favorite would probably have to be Boyhood, only because what a special experience that was, that’s so unlike other parts that I’ve played.”

The best part about Hollywood: “The women.”

His advice to child actors: “If you take out, if you look at the history of the arts, of who succeeds, if you just eliminate self destruction, if you just decide that I will not self implode, if you decide that, your chances of excelling at what you do go up 90%. So many people sabotage themselves, particularly artistic people, but all of us. A lot of us a feeling that we don’t deserve success, a lot of us have a feeling we’re our own worst critics, and there is no shame in loving yourself and treating yourself with the respect with which you would treat someone you love, and taking care of your talent.”

[From Ora TV]

Ethan Hawke was offered the Will Smith role in Independence Day? And he turned it down?! That’s so bizarre. I’d love to know the other part he’s talking about – for some reason, I just got an image of Mark Ruffalo. Like, I could see how Ruffalo and Hawke might be up for some of the same parts. As for Ethan’s feminism… eh. It would be nice if a dude could be a feminist without having daughters, but sure, I’ll take it.

Photos of Ethan at a Stella Adler Studio of Acting fundraiser earlier this week, courtesy of WENN.