Paul Mescal, the star of the film 'Hamnet', delves into the emotional journey of a grieving William Shakespeare, whose struggle to write ultimately transforms his loss into the inspiration for 'Hamlet'. The film's ending reveals the profound impact of grief on Will's life and work.
The film's cinematography and direction play a crucial role in conveying the contrast between Will and his wife, Agnes. Early in the film, the framing and location emphasize their differences, with Agnes portrayed as a free spirit in an open setting, while Will is confined to his family home, a place of teaching and constriction. This contrast reflects a sense of suffocation, mirroring the emotional state of the characters.
As the film progresses, the death of their son, Hamnet, changes everything. The skies become heavy, and the scenes are filled with less light and color, symbolizing the dissipation of their once vibrant energy. The camera work becomes still and slow, emphasizing the emotional weight of their loss.
Costume designer Malgosia Turzanska's choices further reflect Will's emotional journey. Inspired by sportswear, she padded Will's clothing when he was home with his emotionally abusive father, symbolizing protection. She also added slashes to his sleeves, starting as tiny details and becoming larger and longer, mirroring the increasing emotional turmoil. A tiny detail of his necklace, a toothpick, symbolized his father's constant 'picking' at him.
After Hamnet's death, Will travels to London, where he finishes 'Hamlet'. Turzanska's research on ghost costumes led her to dress Will in linen cloth and cover him in clay, symbolizing his broken state. At the end of the film, he washes off the clay, representing his freedom from the burden of grief.
The film's score, composed by Max Richter, further emphasizes the emotional journey. When Will washes off the clay, the score transforms into a darkened version of the choral, vocal cloud connected to Agnes and nature, resembling the cloud of a moonless night, symbolizing the profound darkness of grief.
Mescal's approach to playing Will was to analyze his life, focusing on the transition from love to grief. He aimed to showcase the range of emotions and the audience's connection to the characters' love and subsequent loss. The film's ending, with Will covered in clay, visually represents the cracks in his face, emphasizing the pressure he feels to 'land the plane' from a character's perspective.
