Ethan Hawke’s Overlooked Masterpiece: First Reformed
Ethan Hawke delivered a career-best performance as Reverend Toller in Paul Schrader’s 2018 film First Reformed. Over more than 30 years, Hawke has proven himself as an exceptionally versatile actor, able to shine across diverse genres and production scales.
He embodies an archetypal character actor with the presence of a movie star, as seen in his 2025 roles in Black Phone 2 and Richard Linklater's Blue Moon. Hawke excels whether portraying a horror villain, action hero, or delivering a nuanced performance for an auteur director. His on-screen evolution spans decades, highlighted by his work in Linklater’s acclaimed Before trilogy.
A Career Peak in First Reformed
In First Reformed, Hawke plays a troubled church pastor grappling with existential despair in upstate New York. Under the direction of Paul Schrader, a master of psychologically complex characters, Hawke’s portrayal was intense and haunting, radiating simmering rage and deep vulnerability.
The Oscar Snub
Despite widespread acclaim, Hawke was surprisingly overlooked by the Oscars for this role. The film received only one nomination: Paul Schrader earned his first-ever Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay, which some found equally puzzling considering the film's impact.
“Paul Schrader’s First Reformed was a stirring psychological drama about the all-consuming fear of global apocalypse due to global warming.”
Legacy and Impact
Ethan Hawke’s performance in First Reformed remains one of the defining roles of his career, underscoring his talent for embodying complex, conflicted characters with depth and authenticity.
“For over 30 years, Ethan Hawke has been one of our most reliable actors.”
Author’s summary: Ethan Hawke’s powerful role in First Reformed stands as a testament to his remarkable versatility and depth, making his Oscar omission all the more baffling.
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