Dead Poets Society is a film that holds a dear place in the hearts of many, a classic ’80s flick that’s touched people across generations. It’s also one of the most notable films by late actor Robin Williams, who passed away in 2014.
Recently, another star of the film spoke about his relationship with Williams during filming and how he feels now. Given how others have spoken about the beloved actor’s behavior on-set, it’s a bit eye-opening.
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Actor Ethan Hawke recently revealed that he believed the late Robin Williams “hated him.”
Both were stars of the hit 1989 film Dead Poets Society , during which Ethan Hawke was only 18 years old.
Now 50, Hawke spoke about his relationship with Williams during a Q&A session at the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this past Sunday.
He said that he found Williams to be “irritating” at the time.
“I thought Robin hated me. He had a habit of making a ton of jokes on set. At 18, I found that incredibly irritating,” he explained. “He wouldn’t stop and I wouldn’t laugh at anything he did.”
Though he thought there was tension between them, it clearly wasn’t reciprocated.
In fact, Williams actually helped Hawke sign with his first agent.
“[The agent] called, saying, ‘Robin Williams says you are going to do really well,'” Hawke recalled. “There was this scene in the film when he makes me spontaneously make up a poem in front of the class. He made this joke at the end of it, saying that he found me intimidating. I thought it was a joke.”
With time, he realized what Williams actually meant.
“As I get older, I realize there is something intimidating about young people’s earnestness, their intensity. It is intimidating – to be the person they think you are. Robin was that for me.”
It was, at worst, a misunderstanding.
Hawke had a lot of ambition, enough so that Williams seemed to respect him for it. Not only that, but Williams saw the talent Hawke possessed and took action to actively help him further his career.
That alone was likely enough for young Hawke to change his opinion about the man.
Which is why he spoke about it so earnestly during the panel.
Hawke was awarded the President’s Award, a lifetime achievement honor, at the festival, which was held in Czech Republic. It was his first time going, as seen in an Instagram caption he wrote, “On my way into the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. First time here — the rain provides extra reason to watch movies.”
h/t: Daily Mail
