Why Ethan Hawke Ended Up Loving a Major Role He Once Resented
Ethan Hawke has portrayed many iconic roles, but one of the most notable is a character he originally grew to resent. When Ben Stiller's film "Reality Bites" premiered in February 1994, it was instantly heralded as the defining comedy of Generation X, reflecting the aimless uncertainty of young adults at the time.
Winona Ryder became the unofficial queen of Gen X, celebrated for her standout roles in "Beetlejuice," "Heathers," and "Bram Stoker’s Dracula." Hawke, meanwhile, was embraced by the same generation for his rebellious performance in "Dead Poets Society," portraying a student who finds courage in self-expression.
The movie follows four college friends navigating the challenges of post-graduation life. It also marked Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, following his acclaimed television work on "The Ben Stiller Show." He brought along several of his castmates, including Janeane Garofalo and Andy Dick, enriching the film with their familiar comedic edge.
Before the film’s release, many expected Stiller to satirize Generation X’s mix of irony and apathy. Instead, Helen Childress’ screenplay took a more balanced approach, offering a character-driven dramedy reminiscent of James L. Brooks’ storytelling, where every person is flawed in relatable, human ways.
For some, Troy — Hawke’s character — stood out as the most problematic. His arrogance, recklessness, and cynicism made him difficult to admire. The writer of this reflection admits to long harboring a strong dislike for Troy, which in turn colored their view of the film for years.
“Every single character is flawed in relatable ways — except, maybe, for Hawke's Troy. I've always felt ambivalent about 'Reality Bites' because I absolutely loathe Troy.”
Author’s Summary
Hawke once resented his "Reality Bites" role as a symbol of Gen X apathy, but time and perspective turned that disdain into appreciation for its quiet cultural truth.