Bringing Mantel's Masterpiece to Life: A Bittersweet Endeavor
The Void Left by Hilary Mantel's Passing
Kosminsky's close collaboration with Mantel during the making of the first series proved invaluable, as the author provided unwavering support and guidance. However, with Mantel's sudden passing two years ago, the director found himself facing a daunting task – adapting the final book in the trilogy, "The Mirror and the Light," without the benefit of his trusted confidante.Kosminsky describes the loss as "much harder" and a heavy burden of responsibility, as he no longer had the opportunity to compare notes with "the best living writer in the English language." The director's grief, while understandable, pales in comparison to the profound loss felt by Mantel's family and her husband of 50 years, Gerald.
Navigating the Darkness and Complexity of the Final Chapter
The final installment of the "Wolf Hall" saga delves into the darkest corners of Cromwell's journey, as he struggles to maintain his powerful position at the side of the increasingly mercurial King Henry VIII. Kosminsky faced the daunting task of translating the bleak and introspective nature of Mantel's narrative into a compelling television drama.The director acknowledges the challenge, stating that "the story ends in the darkest way," and his job was to guide his lead actor, Mark Rylance, through the emotional turmoil of portraying Cromwell's descent. Rylance's performance, described as "remarkable" by Kosminsky, captures the complex and co-dependent relationship between Cromwell and the king, a relationship that Mantel had likened to a "love affair" in her own words.
Bridging the Decade-Long Gap
One of the key concerns for Kosminsky was how to seamlessly transition the screen narrative after the long break between the first and second series. The director realized that the three novels cover a 10-year period, during which the characters and the audience had aged significantly.To address this, Kosminsky incorporated a time jump at the beginning of the new series, allowing viewers to witness the aging of the characters. Additionally, he utilized flashbacks to maintain the continuity and flow of the story, ensuring that the transition felt natural and organic.
Staying True to Mantel's Vision
Despite the challenges, Kosminsky remained steadfast in his commitment to honoring Mantel's original vision for the "Wolf Hall" saga. The director emphasizes that the books were "not an allegory" for modern politics, but rather a nuanced exploration of one of history's most complex and controversial figures, Thomas Cromwell.Mantel's "bravery and chutzpah" in reappraising Cromwell's character and giving him a voice resonated deeply with Kosminsky, who saw it as his duty to faithfully translate this unique perspective to the small screen. The director's dedication to preserving the integrity of Mantel's work is a testament to the profound impact the author had on him and the entire production team.
Embracing the Darkness and Complexity of the Human Condition
Kosminsky's filmography is marked by a penchant for tackling dark and complex subjects, and the "Wolf Hall" saga is no exception. The director sees his role as a storyteller not just to entertain, but to challenge viewers to look at the world in a different light.As he prepares to embark on a new project exploring the Grenfell fire disaster, Kosminsky remains steadfast in his belief that the power of television lies in its ability to provoke reflection and reappraisal. His commitment to exploring the nuances of the human condition, even in the darkest of circumstances, is a testament to his artistic vision and the enduring legacy of Hilary Mantel's masterful storytelling.