A modern take on William Tell: A cinematic journey through history
A legendary tale reimagined
Nick Hamm’s “William Tell” is a cinematic throwback, blending historical folklore with modern filmmaking techniques. With a budget of approximately $45 million, this action-packed film promises to captivate audiences with its thrilling sequences, inspiring speeches, and a seamless mix of digital and practical effects. The film is set to premiere on September 10 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The story of William Tell
Set in 1307, the film narrates the tale of the renowned Swiss hero, William Tell. In this rendition, Tell is a reluctant revolutionary, forced into action against an oppressive Austrian king who occupies a region along the modern-day Swiss-Austrian border. A former crusader, Tell prefers the peace of farming over the chaos of battle. However, his hand is forced when the king’s men compel him to shoot an apple off his son’s head from an impossible distance.
A director’s passion
“I’ve always been fascinated by this story and wanted to delve deeper into it,” Hamm shares, reflecting on his desire to bring Tell’s story to the big screen. To understand the character better, Hamm turned to Fredrick Schiller’s 1804 play, one of the few written accounts of Tell’s saga over the past 500 years.
The cultural impact of William Tell
The fable of William Tell has been a cultural touchstone for centuries, used and interpreted in various ways. For the Swiss, Tell is a national hero. The French saw him as a symbol of liberation during their revolution. Even Hitler admired Tell, incorporating some of Schiller’s language into his speeches, despite later burning his books during WWII. This enduring fascination with Tell’s story highlights its universal appeal, even though many only know the iconic scene of him shooting an apple off someone’s head.
Adapting an ancient tale for modern audiences
Hamm faced the challenge of making a 200-year-old play relevant to contemporary viewers. Interestingly, current geopolitical events, such as the invasion of Ukraine, made Tell’s story more relatable. “As I was writing, all these wars started to happen, and Russia invaded Ukraine. Everything I was musing on became so pertinent,” Hamm recalls. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m basing this on a 500-year-old legend, and the stuff they’re talking about is exactly what’s coming across the bloody radio today.'”
Balancing entertainment and message
While Hamm views Tell’s story as an anti-war fable, his primary goal was to create an entertaining film that audiences would enjoy. “Studios stopped making these films, and I don’t know why,” he says. “It’s just a fun movie, and people like to have fun at the movies. Yes, there are some political connotations, but the goal was to entertain and create gripping characters and narratives.”
Crafting the action
Adapting the Tell story required Hamm to invent much of the action himself. Historical writers, constrained by their times, were less ambitious in detailing battlefield scenes. Hamm also streamlined the cast, cutting about 60% of Schiller’s characters and rewriting the remaining women to create a more believable and engaging story. “Schiller’s women weren’t at all useful given the way women were written 200 years ago. They were little more than scenery, and that didn’t work for me,” Hamm explains.
A revolutionary epic
One of the most significant departures from Schiller’s play is the film’s continuation beyond the iconic apple-shooting scene. While the 1804 story ends there, Hamm uses this moment as a springboard into a revolutionary epic, following Tell and a makeshift Swiss army. This sets the stage for a potential sequel, leaving audiences eager for more.
Watch the trailer
For a sneak peek into this thrilling adaptation, check out the William Tell trailer.
Final thoughts
“William Tell” is more than just a historical action film; it’s a reflection on timeless themes of resistance, heroism, and the human spirit. By blending historical accuracy with modern storytelling, Nick Hamm has crafted a film that resonates with contemporary audiences while honoring the legacy of a legendary hero. Whether you’re a history buff, an action movie enthusiast, or someone looking for a compelling story, “William Tell” promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.