Sir Ian McKellen Dismisses 'Hamnet' as 'Improbable' Fiction Ahead of Academy Awards
Legendary British actor Sir Ian McKellen has openly criticised the Oscar-nominated film Hamnet, branding it as "improbable" fiction and expressing confusion over its narrative. The Shakespearean thespian, renowned for his iconic stage and screen performances, made these remarks in a recent interview, casting doubt on the film's historical accuracy and creative premise.
McKellen Questions the Film's Portrayal of Shakespeare's Inspiration
At 86 years old, McKellen—a devoted Shakespeare enthusiast who has portrayed roles such as Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth—stated bluntly, "I don't quite get it." He elaborated that he is not particularly interested in speculating about the origins of Shakespeare's imagination, asserting that it certainly did not stem solely from family life. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao and based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, imagines how the death of Shakespeare's 11-year-old son, Hamnet, in the 1500s might have inspired the writing of Hamlet.
McKellen predicted that Hamnet is likely to win several Oscars at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony in March, drawing a comparison to the success of Shakespeare in Love. However, he noted that both films share what he described as "odd views as to how plays get put on." He acknowledged the public's fascination with Shakespeare's personal life but emphasised the speculative nature of such portrayals.
Historical Inaccuracies and Doubts Over Probability
The actor specifically took issue with the film's depiction of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, played by Jessie Buckley. In Hamnet, Hathaway is portrayed as remaining in Stratford-Upon-Avon to care for their children while Shakespeare pursues playwriting in London, seemingly unaware of his profession. McKellen found this portrayal implausible, remarking, "And we can't know, but the idea Anne Hathaway has never seen a play before? It's improbable, considering what her husband did for a living."
He further questioned the likelihood of Hathaway not understanding what a play is, highlighting what he sees as significant doubts about the film's probability and historical fidelity. Despite these criticisms, McKellen recognised Shakespeare's enduring fame and the natural curiosity surrounding his family relationships and appearance.
Oscar Nominations and Box Office Success
Hamnet has garnered substantial acclaim, receiving eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Chloé Zhao, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Zhao and O'Farrell. Jessie Buckley is the frontrunner for Best Actress, adding to the film's awards season momentum. The movie faces stiff competition from other contenders like Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler's Sinners.
Financially, the film has proven to be a box office hit, grossing $74 million (£54.3 million) against a budget of $35 million (£25.6 million). With the Oscars scheduled for 15 March, industry analysts expect these earnings to increase as awards season intensifies, bolstered by its critical and commercial success.
McKellen, who became a member of the Academy in 1999 following his nomination for Gods and Monsters, will not be voting for Hamnet to win Best Picture. His comments add a layer of controversy to the film's Oscar campaign, highlighting the ongoing debate between artistic interpretation and historical accuracy in biographical dramas.
