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The Hottest State (2006)
  • Caption: The Hottest State (2006)
  • Description: Young love has rarely been as exhilarating--and as painful--as it is in Ethan Hawke's THE HOTTEST STATE. The Oscar-nominated actor adapts his own novel for the screen in this romance set in New York City. When 20-year-old William (Mark Webber, BROKEN FLOWERS) meets Sara (Catalina Sandino Moreno) at a bar in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, he falls fast and hard. He's an actor while she's struggling to be a singer, and their creative, nervous personalities make them a combustible couple. From their playful acting-out of their future break-up to the pain of the event when it actually occurs, their relationship is a series of highs and lows familiar to anyone who's felt the emotions of 20-something romance. As a director and screenwriter, Hawke clearly admires his frequent collaborator, Richard Linklater. The pair has made many films together, most notably BEFORE SUNRISE and its sequel BEFORE SUNSET, and like these films, Hawke's THE HOTTEST STATE isn't driven by an elaborate plot. Instead, it relies on dialogue and on the relationship of its characters to move the film forward. The romance between William and Sarah feels genuine from its sweet inception to its heartbreaking end. Hawke has assembled a great cast here, including Webber and Oscar nominee Michelle Williams, but it's the women who play the couple's mothers who really shine. As Sarah's overbearing mother, Sonia Braga is captivating in her performance. In the small but pivotal role of William's mom, Laura Linney displays as much talent as she's brought to meatier parts in films such as YOU CAN COUNT ON ME. The film's soundtrack is just as impressive as its cast, with offerings from indie favorites such as Cat Power and Feist. Songwriter Jesse Harris wrote the songs, and they are the perfect accompaniment to this intimate film about love and heartbreak.

    Directed by
    Ethan Hawke

    Writing credits
    (WGA)
    Ethan Hawke (screenplay)


    Ethan Hawke (novel The Hottest State)



    Cast (in credits order)
    Mark Webber ... William Harding
    Jesse Harris ... Dave Afton

    Laura Linney ... Jesse
    Frank Whaley ... Harris

    Lynn Cohen ... Harris' Mother
    Greta Gaines ... Faye
    Nick McDonnel ... Artsy Guy

    Alexandra Daddario ... Kim
    Iraida Polanco ... Proprietor
    rest of cast listed alphabetically:
    Sonia Braga ... Mrs. Garcia

    Anne Clarke ... Young Jesse

    Ethan Hawke ... Vince
    Matt Jade ... Head Waiter

    Cherami Leigh ... Danielle
    Elizabeth Marley ... Ticket Girl

    Lee Miller ... Bartender

    Catalina Sandino Moreno ... Sarah

    Glen Powell Jr. ... John Jaegerman

    Daniel Ross ... Young Vince

    Lara Theodos ... Waitress

    Michelle Williams ... Samantha

    Josh Zuckerman ... Decker
    Ben Hamby ... Roadie (uncredited)

    Steven Weisz ... Diner (uncredited)
  • Actor/Actress/Director:
  • Movie: The Hottest State
  • Id: 10966620
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