Grand Theft Hamlet (2024), Dir Sam Crane & Pinny Grylls, Tull Stories, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Matthew Alicoon.

Grand Theft Hamlet (2024), Dir Sam Crane & Pinny Grylls, Tull Stories,

4✩✩✩✩. Review: Matthew Alicoon.

“A fascinating reinvention of to be or not to be – The Bard goes digital”.

Running Time: 90 Minutes

Grand Theft Hamlet is a documentary that follows struggling actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, who during lockdown decided to take on the impossible task of creating a production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the world of Grand Theft Auto.

Grand Theft Hamlet is a film that upon first glance, seems utterly absurd. Skilfully, within minutes the film encapsulates your attention. As the film starts, there is relentless car crashes, random violence and wacky non player characters that certainly provides insane wackiness. However, Grand Theft Hamlet is not just a one-trick of a clever joke. It is a surprisingly deep human underdog story about maintaining artistic vision, the camaraderie of a film crew, accompanied by the sheer madness of translating Shakespeare through the most bewildering of settings, being the world of Grand Theft Hamlet.

There is something profoundly endearing about Sam Crane’s and Pinny Grylls’ sheer and consummate determination. The aspect of community is showcased, through the comically absurd yet wonderfully heartfelt moments. Grand Theft Hamlet carries authentically charged scenery, just simply through characters speaking to each other.

It takes us through the production cycle of a stage show, showing us the entire process from the chaotic auditions. You can feel the exhaustion of the particular conundrums, as the filmmakers battle unexpected showcase. Ingeniously, the film never loses the critical themes of optimism and resilience, proving that the show must go on indeed and what it means to never give up.

“To be or not to be” was a cunning tactic of juxtaposition, to reflect on the wider issues of isolation during lockdown. It is a unique juxtaposition, acting as a poignant revelation in the film. We would normally affiliate Grand Theft Auto with unassuming violence. It was tender when Crane’s voice is not afraid to act as a voice of reason, explaining the harsh realities of what lockdown has done to him and the world. It may seem odd for viewers; however, it seamlessly integrates the issues into the world of Grand Theft Auto.

Regarding the structure of the film, it was weighted towards seeing more of the behind-the-scenes processes of the Hamlet production. You find yourself grippingly engrossed in the filmmakers challenges, however I wish there was more focus on the actual Hamlet production. You do not need to be a Hamlet expert to appreciate the heart of the film.

Ultimately, Grand Theft Hamlet is about creativity, passion and the transformative intuitive power of collaboration. It is a film, that champions artistic visions and values along with critical themes of unity, collaboration and community. There is a genuinely warmth felt for the sharp joy of artistic expression. Grand Theft Hamlet is a triumphant reminder of why the arts have always mattered and will continue to matter.

Cast

Sam Crane – Hamlet

Mark Oosterveen – Polonius

Pinny Grylls – Filmmaker

Jen Cohn – Horatio

Tilly Steele – Ophelia

Dipo Ola – Laertes

Gareth Turkington – Claudius

Crew

Directors & Writers – Pinny Grylls & Sam Crane

Associate Writer & Director – Mark Oosterveen

Producers – Rebecca Wolff & Julia Ton

Cinematographer & Editor – Pinny Grylls

Music & Sound Design – Jamie Perera