The Hottest State (2006)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Ethan Hawke

Writers (WGA):

Ethan Hawke (screenplay)
Ethan Hawke (novel)

Release Date:

23 March 2007 (Italy)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A young actor from Texas tries to make it in New York while struggling in his relationship with a beautiful singer/songwriter. |

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Singer | Urination Scene | Beautiful Woman | Female Nudity

Cast

Mark Webber	...	William Harding
Daniel Ross	...	Young Vince
Glen Powell	...	John Jaegerman (as Glen Powell Jr.)
Anne Clarke	...	Young Jesse
Cherami Leigh	...	Danielle
Catalina Sandino Moreno	...	Sarah
Josh Zuckerman	...	Decker
Michelle Williams	...	Samantha
Jesse Harris	...	Dave Afton
Bill Dobrow	...	Drummer
Jon Fowler	...	Bassist
Guyora Kats	...	Pianist / Accordian Player
Nick McDonnel	...	Artsy Guy
Alexandra Daddario	...	Kim
Ethan Hawke	...	Vince

MPAA:

Rated R for sexual content and language.

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R | South Korea:18 | Brazil:14 | Japan:PG-12 | Portugal:M/16

Filming Locations:

El Paso, Texas, USA

Company:

Barracuda Films

Quotes:

Jesse: [to William] Your whole life, people are gonna ask you to be weak. They're gonna practically beg you. But all anyone really wants is for you to be strong.

Movie Connections:

References The Last Picture Show (1971)

Soundtrack:

The Speed of Sound

A good and sincere effort

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.