The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast Hamnet with Chloé Zhao and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 586)
Dec 3, 2025
Chloé Zhao, an acclaimed director celebrated for her unique storytelling and visuals, chats with fellow filmmaker Barry Jenkins about her latest project, Hamnet. They delve into the collaborative process with writer Maggie O’Farrell and explore the emotional depth of loss portrayed in the film. Zhao shares her innovative casting techniques, discusses somatic and dream work to unlock actors' performances, and highlights the significance of capturing chaos and order through her cinematographer, Lukasz Zal. Their conversation reveals the art of storytelling as a transformative journey.
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Descending To Find Story Language
- Chloé Zhao shifted from chasing horizons to descending inward, changing her film language and framing.
- She treats storytelling as a descent into the underworld to meet hidden parts of the self and make whole work.
Choosing A Containing Cinematographer
- Zhao describes recruiting Łukasz Żal for his ability to contain chaos inside a frame and borrow techniques from Zone of Interest.
- She intentionally combined her chaotic instincts with his containment to create visual tension.
Prioritize Presence In Child Casting
- Do prioritize casting and presence over techniques when working with child actors; finding the right kids is most of the job.
- Try somatic and dream-work in prep to plant subconscious material that surfaces authentically on set.