Sir Ian McKellen recently shared his thoughts on Chloé Zhao’s film “Hamnet,” which has garnered significant attention ahead of the upcoming Oscars. The adaptation is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel that explores the tragic loss of William Shakespeare’s young son and its potential influence on his play “Hamlet.” Despite the film’s critical acclaim and multiple nominations, McKellen finds its narrative to be “improbable.”
Sir Ian McKellen’s Critique of ‘Hamnet’
The esteemed actor McKellen, renowned for his portrayals of Shakespearean characters like Macbeth and King Lear, expressed his reservations about the film in a recent interview. At 86 years old, he argued that the film’s foundation is distanced from reality. He stated, “I don’t quite get it,” underscoring his lack of interest in speculating on the origins of Shakespeare’s creativity.
Academy Awards Predictions
McKellen speculated that “Hamnet,” despite its implausibilities, might replicate the success of “Shakespeare in Love” during the Oscars. He pointed out that its narrative choices raise questions about realism. For example, he noted the portrayal of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, as being unaware of his theatrical career, a depiction he considers highly unlikely.
- Notable Facts:
- McKellen joined the Academy in 1999.
- The Oscars are set to take place on March 15.
- “Hamnet” has received eight nominations, including Best Picture.
- Jessie Buckley stars as Anne Hathaway.
Box Office Success
Despite his critiques, “Hamnet” has found financial success, grossing approximately $74 million against a production budget of $35 million. The film’s box office performance is expected to improve further with the approaching awards ceremony.
In conclusion, while McKellen remains skeptical of the narrative’s authenticity, he acknowledges the film’s potential during the Oscars, marking it as a significant entry in the current awards season. His thoughts reflect a broader conversation about adaptations and the interpretation of historical figures in popular media.
