Chloe Zhao's Bold Take on Shakespeare's 'Hamnet'

A Journey from Struggle to Triumph

When Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao first encountered Shakespeare during her time at a British boarding school, she was a young Chinese student who didn't speak English. This marked the beginning of a long and transformative journey that eventually led to her latest film, "Hamnet," a poetic period drama exploring the life of William Shakespeare. The film has already emerged as a strong contender for Academy Award recognition.

Zhao recalls the challenges of those early days at school, where her English teacher, Mr. Robinson, would assign classic texts and offer daily help, page by page. “It was so hard,” she shared in an interview. Her dedication and perseverance have clearly paid off, as evidenced by the success of her recent work.

Exploring the Life of Shakespeare

"Hamnet" is based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, which delves into the lives of William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes, their family, and a tragic event that may have inspired one of his most famous works. The novel suggests that the Shakespeares had a son named Hamnet, a name that would have been nearly indistinguishable from "Hamlet" in Elizabethan England. The story speculates that Agnes encouraged William to move to London alone to pursue his dreams in theater, believing their love could withstand the separation.

However, the film also portrays the emotional and physical distance that can develop in times of hardship, especially when dealing with the threats of death, childbirth, and disease. Zhao described the novel as “like a poem,” highlighting the emotional journey of the characters as they fall in love, come together, and then face heartbreak.

A New Perspective on Shakespeare

Zhao's interpretation of the story takes a more chronological approach than the novel, and it does not shy away from depicting the painful aspects of grief. This has left many in the Toronto audience deeply moved. The film represents the culmination of Zhao’s remarkable journey, from being a self-described “weird exchange student” at Brighton College to becoming a prominent figure in global cinema.

Her early career included critically acclaimed indie films like "The Rider." Then came 2020's "Nomadland," a semi-fictional drama about road-dwellers in the American West that won three Oscars, including best picture and best director. After a brief detour into blockbuster filmmaking with the underwhelming "Eternals," "Hamnet" marks a return to more intimate and artistic storytelling.

Reflections on Midlife and Art

Zhao, now 43, shared with the Toronto premiere audience that her thirties were spent making what she called “horizon and sunset-chasing films” that were “very wide and expansive.” However, in her 40s, she has faced a difficult midlife crisis and realized she was running away from herself, much like the character of William in the film.

Despite the challenges, Zhao credits Mr. Robinson's guidance for shaping her identity as a director. She emphasized the importance of preparation and dedication, even in the face of uncertainty.

Preparing for the Stage

Noah Jupe, who plays an actor performing as Hamlet on stage at The Globe, noted that his character's role was still being re-written and re-worked well into production. Nevertheless, Zhao insisted that he memorize every single speech from the play, just in case it was needed.

“I felt it was a big burden, but I was excited and happy,” Jupe said in an interview. His experience highlights the intensity and commitment required to bring such a complex story to the screen.