How a Teenage Ethan Hawke Rewrote His 'Dead Poets Society' Character's Major Scene
Buena Vista Pictures
It's challenging to introduce Peter Weir's beloved film 'Dead Poets Society' to modern youth, as no teenager today would admit to reading poetry, let alone being cool. Despite this, the movie remains ageless and specific to a particular era, one that is less relatable to today's kids who didn't live through it. The world has changed significantly, but teenagers understand that during our formative years, we can instantly sense when someone's behavior or words are inauthentic.
In 1989, 18-year-old Ethan Hawke had a similar realization. He criticized a crucial scene in the film, which the director overheard. This led to a rewrite, inspired by Hawke's own painful yet true personal experience. As he recalled in a Rolling Stone interview, Hawke said:
"I had to deliver a speech about my character's father. After a take, I told my co-star, Robert Sean Leonard, 'This scene is terrible.' The director, Peter Weir, overheard and asked why. I explained that I wouldn't act out such emotions towards another man. Weir then asked, 'What would you say if it happened to you now?' I shared a personal story about my parents giving me the same birthday gift without knowing. I felt invisible, and Weir suggested we rewrite the scene. We did, and it's in the final film!"
'Dead Poets Society' resonated with teenagers, inspiring them to stand up for their friends and loved ones. The movie captures the universal truth of supporting those who unexpectedly change our lives. While today's students may not face the strict school environments depicted in the film, they understand the sentiment. The characters in 'Dead Poets Society' are relatable, despite some outdated plot points. The core message remains: we seek mentors and friends who encourage us to live in the moment, find our passions, and stay true to ourselves, regardless of the time or culture.
