Key Takeaways
- Chloé Zhao was interested in making a film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel "Hamnet"
- The author was initially hesitant to collaborate on the script but was won over by Zhao’s passion and vision
- The scriptwriting process was a synergistic and collaborative effort between Zhao and O’Farrell
- The two used voice notes to communicate and work on the script, with Zhao sending multiple messages and ideas to O’Farrell
- The collaboration allowed for a unique blending of skills, with Zhao bringing her knowledge of cinema and O’Farrell bringing her understanding of the narrative and 16th-century dialogue
Introduction to the Collaboration
When Maggie O’Farrell first heard that Chloé Zhao was interested in making a film of her novel, "Hamnet," she was instantly intrigued. Having seen all of Zhao’s films, O’Farrell knew that she wouldn’t be the kind of director who would render a pristine, conventional costume drama. Instead, Zhao’s vision for the film would likely be something more unique and innovative. O’Farrell was also relieved to hear that Zhao didn’t plan to put William Shakespeare front and center, obscuring the story of his children and wife.
The Initial Meeting
O’Farrell had been told that Zhao wanted to co-write the script with her, and she went into their first-ever Zoom call with the intention of politely declining. However, after speaking with Zhao, O’Farrell found herself agreeing to write the script with her. Zhao’s passion and vision for the film were infectious, and O’Farrell was drawn into the project. The two discussed the script and their ideas for the film, and O’Farrell found herself saying that she would write the first pass and deliver it in a couple of months.
The Collaborative Process
The scriptwriting process was a wholly synergistic one, with Zhao and O’Farrell passing drafts back and forth between them and discussing their ideas. The two used voice notes to communicate, with Zhao sending multiple messages and ideas to O’Farrell. This process allowed for a unique blending of skills, with Zhao bringing her knowledge of cinema and O’Farrell bringing her understanding of the narrative and 16th-century dialogue. The voice notes were often lengthy, with some lasting up to 58 minutes, and covered a wide range of topics, from the overarching theme of the film to tiny details about the characters and their motivations.
The Strengths of the Collaboration
The collaboration between Zhao and O’Farrell allowed for a rich and nuanced script to emerge. Zhao’s intuitive grasp of the language of cinema and O’Farrell’s understanding of the narrative and 16th-century dialogue combined to create a unique and compelling film. The two were able to work together seamlessly, with Zhao’s extemporaneous approach complemented by O’Farrell’s more structured approach. The result was a script that was greater than the sum of its parts, with each writer bringing their unique perspective and skills to the project.
The Outcome of the Collaboration
In the end, O’Farrell was glad that she had changed her mind and agreed to collaborate with Zhao on the script. The experience had been a positive one, and the resulting film was something that she was proud of. The collaboration had allowed for a unique and innovative film to emerge, one that brought a fresh perspective to the story of Shakespeare’s family. The use of voice notes had been a key part of the process, allowing for a free-flowing exchange of ideas and a deep exploration of the themes and characters of the film. Overall, the collaboration between Zhao and O’Farrell was a successful one, resulting in a film that was both critically acclaimed and deeply personal.