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Ethan Hawke Recalls Robin Williams Ignoring the Script on the Dead Poets Society Set

In a Vanity Fair retrospective, Hawke describes Peter Weir’s conditional approach to Robin Williams’ on‑set improvisation.

Overview

  • In a new Vanity Fair career-retrospective video, Hawke says Williams often departed from scripted lines during filming.
  • He recalls standing “four feet away” as Weir and Williams discussed performance on set.
  • Hawke says Weir welcomed improvisation provided the scenes still achieved the script’s intended goals.
  • The experience, Hawke adds, revealed a freer way to “play” and the power of complementary working styles.
  • Coverage notes the 1989 film earned about $235 million worldwide and received Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Williams.