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Mescal Explores Bard's Heartbreak in 'Hamnet'
8 Jan
Summary
- Paul Mescal portrays William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet,' focusing on grief.
- The film centers on the death of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet.
- Mescal initially felt Shakespeare belonged to British actors, not Irish ones.
Irish actor Paul Mescal has taken on the role of William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's film "Hamnet," offering a new perspective on the legendary playwright. The movie, inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel, centers on the profound grief experienced by Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. This personal tragedy is depicted as the catalyst for the creation of "Hamlet."
Mescal, who has achieved significant acclaim early in his career, revealed that he initially felt a sense of detachment from Shakespearean roles due to his Irish heritage. He believed, erroneously, that Shakespeare was solely a British figure. However, his involvement with "Hamnet" allowed him to explore Shakespeare not as an icon, but as an individual processing loss through his art, a relatable concept for creatives.
The film's climax, set during the premiere of "Hamlet," captures Agnes's realization that Shakespeare's work was an outlet for his grief. Mescal describes the scene as a seismic moment where vulnerability and the need for expression converge. The production, filmed in Telluride, also marked a reunion for Mescal and co-star Jessie Buckley, who developed their artistic connection on set.
