I’ve come across countless versions of Hamlet, with different actors bringing Shakespeare’s legendary tale to life on both stage and screen. Yet, Grand Theft Hamlet offers a fresh twist on the classic, taking place within the chaotic universe of GTA Online. This isn’t just another straightforward retelling of the play; it’s actually a documentary that delves into the ambitious task of staging and organizing this unique endeavor.
The creative minds behind this project are the UK-based duo, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, who are married and bring their own specialties to the table. Grylls, a seasoned documentarian, and Crane, an actor, found inspiration for this venture during the pandemic. With global lockdowns in effect and Crane’s acting gigs on hold, the couple turned to video games as their platform, capturing their journey on film.
The resulting documentary is both comical and profound, as evidenced by the trailer. Despite frequent interruptions from other players in the game, it’s heartening to see how many of them chose to contribute to the project, overcoming the challenges posed by the unconventional setting. It’s precisely these kinds of quirky artistic initiatives that truly captivate me.
Mark your calendars for January 17 when Grand Theft Hamlet will premiere in theaters, with plans to stream on Mubi later down the line.
