Jessie Buckley Discusses ‘Hamnet’ Scene and Unscripted Golden Globes Finale

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Jessie Buckley Discusses ‘Hamnet’ Scene and Unscripted Golden Globes Finale

Jessie Buckley recently shared insights about her role in the film “Hamnet,” where she portrays Agnes, historically known as the wife of William Shakespeare. Rather than focusing solely on historical accuracy, Buckley aimed to create her character from personal intuition and emotional response to her co-stars.

Approach to Character Development

In her own words, Buckley described her method as akin to observing strangers in the street, fueled by curiosity. Although she had a brief encounter with a book titled “How to Be a Tudor,” she quickly realized that a scholarly approach to her role wasn’t her style.

Recognition and Accolades

An acclaimed performer, Buckley received her first Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal in “Hamnet,” an earthy character filled with love and deep loss. The film, produced by Focus Features, garnered a total of six Golden Globe nominations, also recognizing her co-star Paul Mescal for his portrayal of Shakespeare and director Chloe Zhao for her artistic vision.

Significance of Timing

While discussing her character, Buckley reflected on the impact of motherhood in her life. She expressed gratitude for the role, noting that Agnes represented both love and the inevitable sorrow that accompanies it. This thematic connection resonated with Buckley during her personal journey as a mother.

Filming Experience

Buckley described the filming of “Hamnet” as a transformative “roller coaster.” A pivotal moment in the film is the final scene where Agnes watches Hamlet. This scene took eight days to film and featured 300 extras at the Globe Theatre.

Unscripted Emotional Moments

Interestingly, key emotional elements in the scene were not part of the original script. These included the crowd’s outreach towards the stage and a poignant moment that brought Buckley to tears. She later recounted how a conversation with director Chloe Zhao led to a creative breakthrough, allowing the actors to embrace their personal grief and connect with the story.

Audience Impact

Buckley emphasized the film’s emotional resonance with viewers. While she did not expect the profound reactions from the audience, she recognized the shared experience of grief in the film. Buckley articulated that her role was about helping audiences reconnect with their emotions rather than providing escapism. She expressed pride in offering a narrative that invites reflection and catharsis.

  • Film: Hamnet
  • Character: Agnes/Anne Hathaway
  • Co-star: Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare
  • Director: Chloe Zhao
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 6
  • Filming Duration of Key Scene: 8 days
  • Extras Used: 300