Four Days that Saved a Masterpiece

Key Takeaways:

• Director Chloé Zhao struggled to find the perfect ending for her film "Hamnet" until she had a breakthrough inspired by a song.
• The film’s climax features a pivotal scene at the Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare’s play "Hamlet" is being performed.
• The production design of the Globe Theatre was meticulously recreated to be accurate and intimate, with a working backstage and real prop tables.
• The actors rehearsed significant portions of "Hamlet" and performed 30-40 minutes of the play during filming.
• The film’s ending is a powerful and emotional moment of catharsis, where Agnes reaches out to Hamlet and lets go of her grief.

Introduction to the Film’s Ending
The film "Hamnet" was nearing its completion, with only four days of shooting left, when director Chloé Zhao realized she didn’t have a satisfying ending. The script had William Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, and her brother Bartholomew witnessing the demise of Hamlet, but it didn’t evoke the necessary catharsis. Zhao and actress Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes, were both feeling lost and unsure of how to tie the story together. This uncertainty was a result of Zhao’s unconventional approach to storytelling, where she imagines the journey of her characters unfolding in a spiral, rather than a linear narrative.

The Breakthrough Moment
The morning after filming the scripted ending, Buckley sent Zhao a song by Max Richter, "This Bitter Earth," which sparked a breakthrough. As Zhao listened to the song, she had a profound realization about the true culmination of the film. She envisioned Agnes reaching her hand towards the dying Hamlet, allowing him to rest and her to let go of her grief over losing her son Hamnet. This moment of connection would create a sense of release and catharsis, not just for Agnes, but for the audience as well. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics seemed to capture the essence of the film’s themes, and Zhao felt a sense of clarity and purpose that she had been lacking.

The Globe Theatre Set
The Globe Theatre, where the pivotal scene takes place, was meticulously recreated by production designer Fiona Crombie. The set was built on a backlot at England’s Elstree Studios using real timber from France, and it took 14 weeks to complete. Crombie aimed to create a sense of intimacy and authenticity, with real prop tables, makeup stations, and a working backstage. The attention to detail was impressive, with nods to other Shakespeare plays, including a horse from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" loaned from the real Globe. The set’s design was also influenced by Zhao’s vision of the Globe as a spiritual space, with a backdrop that separated Will from Agnes and created a sense of tension and drama.

Rehearsing "Hamlet"
The actors, led by Paul Mescal, who plays William Shakespeare, rehearsed significant portions of "Hamlet" before filming. Mescal describes the experience of being on the Globe stage as "sacred," both because of the physical space and the emotional quality of the scenes. The cast performed 30-40 minutes of "Hamlet" during filming, which added to the sense of authenticity and immersion. The rehearsals were an essential part of the process, allowing the actors to develop a deep understanding of the play and their characters. Mescal notes that the experience of directing the other actors as Will was a unique challenge, but one that ultimately helped him to connect with the character on a deeper level.

Creating a Sense of Community
To create a sense of community and connection among the cast and extras, Zhao enlisted the help of Kim Gillingham, a dream coach. Each day, Zhao and Gillingham led the group in a daily meditation or dream exercise, which helped to create a collective sense of catharsis and connection to something bigger than themselves. The extras, who played the audience in the Globe Theatre, were also encouraged to participate in the exercises, which helped to create a sense of unity and shared experience. The result was a powerful and emotional performance, with many of the supporting artists delivering extraordinary performances. The sense of community and connection was palpable, and it added to the overall impact of the film’s climax.

The Film’s Ending
The film’s ending is a powerful and emotional moment, where Agnes reaches out to Hamlet and lets go of her grief. The scene is a culmination of the story, where the threads of the narrative come together in a moment of release and catharsis. The ending is not just a conclusion, but a new beginning, as Mescal suggests. He imagines the relationship between Will and Agnes continuing, with a sense of hope and possibility. The film’s ending is a testament to the power of art to heal and transform, and the importance of human connection in the face of grief and loss. As the characters come to terms with their emotions and find a sense of closure, the audience is invited to do the same, creating a shared experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.