The Hottest State

Ethan Hawke wrote the book THE HOTTEST STATE and then proceeded to write the screenplay, direct and act in it. Sometimes that combination works, but in this instance the whole project feels like a narcissistic self-indulgent autobiographical talky two hours. Hawke is respected enough among his peers that he was able to draw a fine cast together in an attempt to make this film work, but in the end it is pretty boring.

Young Texas actor William (Mark Webber) has moved to New York to make it big, and while he gets jobs, he feels as though he doesn't have a handle on relationships. When he meets the beautiful singer Sarah (Catalina Sandino Moreno) he falls in love but has no idea how to court his dream girl. Sarah is cautious about relationships, too, yet is attracted to William and consents to travel to Mexico to heat up their bonding. In Mexico they spend the greater part of their time consummating their love affair: the love scenes are fairly erotic, especially on the part of Moreno. Returning to their jobs in New York the two face problems in continuing their relationship. William's divorced parents (Laura Linney and Ethan Hawke) have their own demons that prevent their providing William with much consolation, and Sarah's mother (Sonia Braga) has a rather negative view of relationships. How the film finally winds down with dealing with William's whining and Sarah's resistance is all that is left of the lengthy diatribe.

Though Linney, Braga, Michelle Williams (in too short a role), and Moreno try to make this story tolerable, it is inherent in the concept that William (Ethan Hawke poorly disguised) is just too boring a guy to care about. Mark Webber is supposed to have the promise and charisma of a 'new Brando' (according to the hype), but he is flat in this film. The soundtrack is wearing and rarely takes a break for the dialog. Hawke can and has done better. Hopefully he has released his ego in this film and can move on. Grady Harp

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.

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!

I could not get into the story at all, and cannot identify with the characters. Initially the film shows two people having sex all the time. Then the rest of the film is very dialog heavy, but they are ore drivels than actual conversations. I find the film very boring, even though it has Ethan Hawke, Laura Linney and Michelle Williams, all of whom I like very much.

The movie primarily is a love story about an actress and a singer meeting at a bar, and than moving in together, but it's so much more than that. It's a movie that tackles abandonment issues,first love, heart ache, ambition, the journey of life and all the questions it leaves us with.

This movie is comical, some of Williams pick up lines were just grand. Overall his character is interesting to watch. A young vessel full of love and rage, an emotional train wreck who fell head over heels for a girl.

The movie is very solid. Full of good acting, good music, good script writing. It's definitely a flick worth watching. The best film i have ever seen on young love.