UPDATE: Riz Ahmed’s highly anticipated film adaptation of Hamlet is set to premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) later this week. The actor’s gripping portrayal of a tormented Prince of Denmark has captivated audiences, and new insights reveal the profound personal journey that influenced his performance.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ahmed disclosed that the intense six-week night shoot across London in late 2023 was not without its challenges. Just becoming a father, he experienced sleep deprivation that contributed to the film’s “fever dream quality.” Ahmed explained, “It was super intense,” emphasizing the emotional depth he brought to the character during this transformative period in his life.
Karia’s modern adaptation, co-written by Michael Lesslie, intertwines classic Shakespearean elements with contemporary issues. The film opens with Ahmed’s Hamlet conducting funeral rites for his late father, accompanied by verses from the Bhagavad Gita. This blend of cultures highlights the universal themes of grief and family dynamics, making the story resonate with diverse audiences.
The film reimagines the fictional Danish castle of Elsinore as a family business facing scrutiny over forced evictions, presenting a critical lens on corporate greed and social justice. Ahmed stated, “Stories like this, they belong to everyone,” reinforcing the idea that the narrative is relevant to modern society.
As the film explores Hamlet’s erratic descent into madness, it also sheds light on the struggles of unhoused youths represented by the character Fortinbras, played by a collective of young actors. Ahmed noted that these timely themes reflect broader societal anxieties, saying, “The old rules seem to be getting torn up right in front of our eyes.”
Ahmed’s collaboration with Karia has been pivotal in shaping this adaptation over the past decade. Their previous success with the Oscar-winning short film The Long Goodbye laid the groundwork for a relationship that prioritizes authenticity. “Aneil and I wanted to make a Hamlet that felt quite grounded,” Ahmed explained, highlighting how personal experiences inform the storytelling.
The film, which features a stellar cast including Art Malik as Claudius, Joe Alwyn as Laertes, and Morfydd Clark as Ophelia, promises to deliver a fresh perspective on a classic narrative. Ahmed expressed his excitement about sharing this labor of love with audiences, stating, “It’s nerve-wracking, but we hope it resonates and inspires new interpretations of Shakespeare.”
As the premiere approaches, the buzz around Ahmed’s transformative performance continues to grow, with many eager to see how this adaptation redefines a timeless tale for a new generation. Mark your calendars for the screenings at Telluride and TIFF, as this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates as the film gains traction and Ahmed’s portrayal of Hamlet is set to make waves in the film industry.
