Terry Gross

So, Ethan Hawke, the series is inspired by film noir, but it's also kind of a satire of the genre.

Your character talks tough, but as I said, gets beaten up a lot.

Are you a fan of noir novels, you know, hard-boiled novels or film noir?

So what was your take on this character?

Like, what did you model him on?

It's time to take another break, so let me reintroduce you.

My guest is Ethan Hawke, and he stars in the new movie Blue Moon about Larry Hart, and he also stars in the new streaming series The Lowdown.

We'll be right back.

This is Fresh Air.

You've done several movies about music.

You have a new documentary that hasn't come out yet about Merle Haggard.

You did a documentary about the pianist Seymour Bernstein.

You played Chet Baker in a theatrical film.

I made the film Blaze.

Yes, about Blaze Foley.

So when did you become really interested in music and were you ever in a band?

Oh, what kind of music does he play?

Why did Merle Haggard make such a good subject for a documentary?

Well, we should end with some music.

Do you have a preference?