The Hottest State

I saw this film at the LA Film Festival and found it to be a boring talk-fest between two largely unsympathetic, unconvincing characters. If Hawke was trying to channel Linkletter's Before Sunrise/Sunset, he should have also created characters whose motivations and reactions are at least somewhat plausible, even if they happen to be 20 year olds. On the other hand, the character portrayed by Laura Linney (the mother of male lead) is refreshing in her contribution of realism to the story. Otherwise, if you like lots of self-involved rambling about nothing much, punctuated by music videos and a few moments of soft-core porn, this is your movie.

Fabulous movie. The dichotomy of the two characters' personalities is simply amazing. Throughout every emotion, scene, and heartache, you feel what the characters are feeling, want what they want, see what they see. The buildup to the climax of their love in Mexico is astounding and perfectly written. This is easily a cult classic, for any indie film lover. The week in Mexico just makes you want to fall in love if only for a week. I love the innocence, yet ambiguity of Sarah's character. Is she real or not?? The lead actor are PERFECT for their respective roles. This film has amazing street credibility. The only downside to this movie is that the role of Williams parents is minimalist, confusing, and rather pointless. This storyline just did not amalgamate well with the film.

There's a lot to like in Hottest State, even if far from perfect.

Ethan Hawke's direction of his (probably autobiographical) novel sets the mood perfectly, with great music, lighting and good pacing of this story. The story progresses well, contains sensual moments and with the help of an inspired, yet simple soundtrack, is at times touching. Unfortunately, the dialogs are a real weakness and something Hawke might have wanted to touch up, preferably with someone else.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the film is Mark Webber in the lead role. Simply put, I have not seen such a promising actor since noticing Ryan Gosling in "The Believer", years ago. I immediately knew Gosling was headed for stardom and this will be the case here as well. At a young age, Webber shows intensity, range and depth wrapped up in restraint. At times as whacky as a Giovanni Ribisi, as laid back and colorfully human as a Sam Rockwell, as soulful and magnetic as a Sean Penn. Webber is the complete package to be great in second roles but, just like Gosling, oozes of the charisma required to lead big movies as well. It's a matter of time for him to get noticed.

Sadly, his romantic interest Catalina Sandino Moreno is not nearly as good. I wish someone of the caliber of Abbie Cornish had been cast in the role of Sarah. Instead, Catalina's portrayal of Sarah comes off as one-dimensional and annoying for what should be a fascinating and complex character. While Webber makes us feel his character's passion for Sarah, it's tough for us as viewers to really buy Catalina's performance. The script is also at fault for that at times.

With a better second lead, a script shave of 10 to 15 minutes and tighter dialogs, this would be a classic. Instead, it is an enjoyable moment and for those of us who had never noticed Mark Webber, an opportunity to see one of the next bright stars of cinema. Nonetheless, props to Ethan Hawke for what is a very heartfelt movie.

I saw this film in Venice on Saturday 2 September. I absolutely loved it!

I haven't read the book , so cannot comment on how faithful the film is, however I really enjoyed it, and it was certainly the best I saw in Venice.

The story made me really emotional. I could see myself or my friends at 20 years old and recognised a lot of emotional patterns that are typical of growing up.

The actors are all amazing. The two main characters have got a freshness and grace about them that make them beautiful to watch. Laura Linney and Ethan Hawke play the parents wonderfully.

It is a very sexy and raw film, but delicate at the same time.

For anyone who has ever fallen in love and had his heart broken for the very first time. It made me cry a lot and I thank Ethan Hawke for it!

William Harding (Mark Webber) is a 20 year old struggling actor in NYC from Texas. He doesn't really know his dad Vincent (Ethan Hawke) after he left with his mother at 8. Sarah (Catalina Sandino Moreno) wants to be a singer. They hit it off right away. Samantha (Michelle Williams) is his ex who he is still hanging with. He has issues. Her mother (Sonia Braga) doesn't approve of her singing and complains a lot. His mother Jesse (Laura Linney) is also quite a piece of work.

It's an indie from Ethan Hawke. It's a fairly bland affair. The lead Webber doesn't have the best charisma. His character is emotionally damaged. Moreno has a sweet presence but she struggles to do more. They both have infuriating moments that makes it hard to invest in their relationship. There is a musical element but there isn't anything catchy. There's no magic in that. It's an angsty indie without the needed likability. The dialog is very clunky with Hawke trying too hard. Being an Ethan Hawke film, there are a lot of great actors. I guess people just want to hang out with him.