What I love about acting is putting myself outside my comfort zone.
Wearing the collar is a very powerful thing.
Even the way people talk to you at the lunchroom changes.
Its mysterious how that stuff works, but thats the most challenging part of playing that character.
But the challenge paid off, as the film has received multiple year-end accolades on the awards season circuit.
But getting there wasnt easy.
You kind of have to hypnotize yourself.
If you hypnotize yourself, theres this opportunity for the audience to come along with you.
But if you dont hypnotize yourself, theyre not going to come.
If its a dark trance, its difficult to guide yourself away from it.
Sometimes its easier to fly into a flame, but flying out of the flames is hard.
First Reformedis available now on Blu-Ray and digital rental services.
Watch EWs interview with Hawke above.
