While Hugh Jackman was engrossed in the making of The Son, tragedy struck as his father passed away. Despite the immense loss, Jackman chose to soldier on, immersing himself in the role of Peter, a devoted workaholic facing the challenges of caring for his family – a newborn baby, a partner, and a teenage son named Nicholas, who battles with a haunting depression.
Hugh Jackman had a deep personal connection to the character of Peter, being both a father of two kids and a son himself. His own life experiences mirrored Peter’s struggles, as Jackman’s father raised him in the absence of his mother, who had left their family when he was only eight years old. Prior to filming his first scene as Peter, Jackman visited his father, who had been battling Alzheimer’s for 12 years, further intensifying the emotional resonance he brought to the role.
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Hugh Jackman Had A Tough Shooting For The Film
After reading the screenplay, Hugh Jackman was deeply moved, a rare occurrence for him. Overwhelmed by the emotional impact of the story, he couldn’t help but shed tears. Filled with passion, Jackman penned an earnest email to Zeller, expressing his desire to portray the role. However, he also displayed a sense of respect and integrity, stating that if the part had already been cast, he wouldn’t interfere with someone else’s opportunity. Since Zeller was still looking for Peter, the two met over Zoom.
“I wasn’t planning to make any decision,” Zeller said. “After eight minutes of that conversation, though, I stopped and offered him the role. I felt strongly he would be extraordinary.”
To accommodate Jackman, the script’s setting shifted from Paris to New York. During the filming, Jackman would often rise before the break of dawn.
“I was waking up at 4 a.m., knowing I hadn’t had enough sleep,” Jackman said. “Thank God I was playing a part where I was meant to look like shit, because I was feeling pretty bad. I was worried. I would try meditating, which I’ve done for 25 years. I asked myself to be as open as I could. I had to be very kind to myself through the process.”
The film’s most poignant moments capture Nicholas (portrayed by Zen McGrath) on the brink of causing harm to others or himself.
The Filmmakers Employed Psychiatrists On Set
Hugh Jackman reflects on the challenging subject matter of the film, acknowledging that it was emotionally demanding for everyone involved. Crew members would often express the need for support and some even took brief breaks from the set. To address the emotional toll, psychiatrists were enlisted to be available on-site for anyone who needed to talk about the distressing material.
“The subject matter was really hard,” Jackman said. “Many days, crew members would say, ‘I need help.’ Some of them would leave for a few hours.”
Zeller enforced a single, unwavering rule for the cast: no rehearsals permitted. His vision was for the actors to arrive on set every day and allow their emotions to lead their performances.
Source: Variety
