Riz Ahmed on why his 'fresh' adaptation of Hamlet speaks to our 'unfair' times

Key Concepts

• Hamlet Adaptation: A new film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, focusing on contemporary relevance and emotional accessibility.
• Emotional Resonance: The filmmakers’ intention to connect Hamlet’s themes of powerlessness, unfairness, and grief to modern audiences, particularly young people.
• Creative Partnership: The dynamic between RZ (actor playing Hamlet) and Anneil (director), characterized by contrasting approaches to the creative process – instinct vs. meticulous editing.
• Parental Exhaustion & Artistic Influence: The unexpected impact of the filmmakers’ personal experiences with sleep deprivation and new parenthood on the film’s tone and performance.
• Shakespearean Accessibility: The debate surrounding the best age and method for introducing Shakespeare to students.

The Genesis of the Hamlet Adaptation

The impetus for this Hamlet adaptation stemmed from a desire to create a work that resonated with contemporary feelings of disillusionment and powerlessness, mirroring the emotional state of the titular character. The project was a long-held ambition, with Anneil stating it had been in development for approximately 13 years. The initial idea arose following a successful collaboration on a short film, The Long Goodbye, with RZ. However, Anneil initially hesitated, feeling inadequately equipped to tackle Shakespeare due to a perceived lack of intellectual prowess, a sentiment common among those who leave formal education.

Re-evaluating Shakespearean Education

A key discussion point revolved around the pedagogical approach to Shakespeare. The question was raised whether forcing students to read Shakespeare at a young age potentially does a disservice to the text. RZ countered this by emphasizing the importance of presentation, arguing that a compelling and accessible approach can unlock the play’s power, as demonstrated by a formative experience with an English teacher who introduced Hamlet at a pivotal moment when RZ felt out of place. The hope is that this film adaptation will serve as a gateway for young audiences to engage with Shakespeare.

The Creative Dynamic: RZ and Anneil

The partnership between RZ and Anneil is described as highly effective, evidenced by their previous Oscar win. Anneil jokingly alluded to a conditional commitment to the project, stating he would only pursue it if RZ won an award. The success of The Long Goodbye solidified the foundation for a long-term creative relationship. Their working dynamic is characterized by contrasting styles: RZ operates primarily on “bodily emotional instinct” during performance, while Anneil focuses on meticulous editing and refinement in post-production, often getting “lost in that labyrinth” of possibilities.

The Unexpected Influence of Parenthood

A significant and unexpected element influencing the film’s creation was the simultaneous experience of both filmmakers becoming parents during the shoot. Both were grappling with the intense exhaustion and emotional strain of new parenthood, including sleep regressions. Anneil explicitly stated this period of sleep deprivation was a “gift” because Hamlet is fundamentally a story about fatherhood. The raw, unraveling quality observed in RZ’s performance was, in part, a direct result of this lived experience. The exhaustion bypassed intellectualization, forcing a reliance on instinct and contributing to a more authentic and vulnerable portrayal. This experience also forced them to “not be as precious” with the process, leading to a more stripped-down and emotionally direct film.

Technical & Artistic Approaches

The discussion highlighted the importance of finding ways to make Shakespeare “fresh and vivid.” The film prioritizes emotional truth and instinctual performance, particularly in RZ’s portrayal of Hamlet. The editing process, led by Anneil, then shapes and refines this raw material. This approach suggests a focus on visceral impact over strict adherence to traditional interpretations.

Notable Quotes

• RZ: “Everything’s about presentation.” (Emphasizing the importance of accessible approaches to Shakespeare.)
• Anneil: “Sometimes when you're that exhausted you bypass the brain you have to go from instinct and there's just a worn down quality to everything um that just feels a bit more raw.” (Describing the unexpected artistic benefit of parental exhaustion.)

Synthesis & Main Takeaways

This Hamlet adaptation is driven by a desire to connect Shakespeare’s timeless themes to a contemporary audience, particularly through emotional resonance and accessibility. The filmmakers’ personal experiences, specifically the challenges of new parenthood, unexpectedly enriched the project, contributing to a rawer and more authentic portrayal of grief and familial struggle. The creative partnership between RZ and Anneil, characterized by contrasting approaches to performance and editing, proved crucial to the film’s success. Ultimately, the project aims to demonstrate that Shakespeare can be both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotionally engaging, even – and perhaps especially – for those who initially feel intimidated by the Bard’s work.