Filmmakers Bong Joon Ho and Chloé Zhao engaged in a heartfelt conversation recently, spotlighting Zhao’s latest work, Hamnet. The dialogue, shared exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter, marked a significant moment for both directors as they discussed the film’s emotional depth and artistic processes.
Their relationship began in 2021 during a virtual ceremony when Bong presented Zhao with the Academy Award for Best Director for her film Nomadland. This historic moment followed Bong’s own win for Parasite the previous year, making them notable figures in contemporary cinema. Later that year, they met in person as part of the jury for the Venice Film Festival, where they evaluated various films, including Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s The Lost Daughter, which featured emerging talents Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
Fast forward to today, both Buckley and Mescal are receiving acclaim for their performances in Hamnet, a poignant film that explores the family life of William Shakespeare and the impact of their son’s untimely death. The film recently won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Drama), providing Zhao with a boost as the Oscar nomination voting approaches.
During their recent Zoom call, Bong expressed admiration for Zhao’s work and sought insights into her creative choices. He notably commented on a scar on Mescal’s face, prompting Zhao to elaborate on its thematic significance within the film. “It’s so funny you mention that film, because I actually watched it as prep for directing Hamnet,” Zhao responded, referencing Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low as a source of inspiration for her use of extras.
Their conversation delved into the emotional core of Hamnet. Bong reflected on the film’s ability to question whether art can serve as a counterbalance to profound loss. He stated, “Can it truly be equivalent? I think the film shows that it can, and that’s why it’s so desperately moving.” Zhao shared her approach of incorporating meditation sessions led by a Jungian somatic specialist for the cast and crew, which she believed helped everyone connect with the film’s emotional landscape.
As their discussion evolved, Bong revealed that watching Hamnet revitalized his passion for filmmaking, expressing, “I felt healed watching this film. I felt like it’s time for me to make something again.” His candid remarks left Zhao visibly moved, prompting her to respond, “Thank you for saying that. That makes me want to make something, too.”
The conversation not only highlights the camaraderie between these two accomplished filmmakers but also emphasizes the transformative power of cinema in addressing life’s challenges. As the film industry gears up for the upcoming award season, Hamnet stands out as a compelling narrative that resonates with both critics and audiences alike.
