Grand Theft Hamlet: Alternative Human Connection
In March 2020, the UK went into national lockdown and the whole country subsequently turned upside down.
People were left needing a sense of community more than anything, with the arts suffering greatly. In early 2021, amidst our third lockdown, patience was wearing thin and the need to connect become almost stifling for some. As a result, actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen began a journey together, challenging themselves to try and hold the first ever performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the world of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V.
The particularly special thing about this film is its universality, in that you do not need to have extensive knowledge about either Hamlet or GTA to enjoy and gain something from a viewing. As a lot of us did during the lockdown while forced apart, Sam and Mark connected with each other online through playing games.
What begins as a very amusing look into the current lives of the two friends, and Sam’s partner and co-director Pinny Grylls, slowly turns into something with a lot more depth and sensitivity, revealing lockdowns impact on art. As we watch the pair stumble across ‘Vinewood Bowl’ amphitheatre in game, they discuss the ‘what ifs?’ of attempting to hold a Shakespearian theatre production which, for those not familiar with GTA Online, is quite a challenge.
From holding real auditions with total strangers whilst trying not to be shot at, to moving conversations about male loneliness and the importance of community, Grand Theft Hamlet allows for a tone shifting, one-of-a-kind, wild ride. Despite the initial humour that comes from learning of its concept, it offers much more intergenerational relatability under the surface.
As an audience member, you find yourself truly rooting for the people you’ve been getting to know, wanting desperately for them to be able to pull off their production – which makes for a satisfying and joyful watch. Getting to witness unlikely friendships blossom between people who otherwise would not have found each other is a testament to the power of online connections and their imperativeness during a time where we were very literally isolated.
What the film also does is open up discussions about the art that came out of lockdown, a lot of it stemming from an innate need to create. For some, lockdown forced them to really think outside the box, Grand Theft Hamlet being a prime example. I left this viewing with questions about whether art like this can be reproduced in a post lockdown world, or whether we require a sense of urgency and claustrophobia for these types of things to be birthed into existence.
On the 8th of January, Tyneside Cinema had the delight of welcoming Sam Crane, co-director and actor, for a Q&A discussing his experience in creating the documentary. A sold-out screening proved for some great audience questions and genuinely interesting and heartfelt responses. The documentary has gone on to receive three awards at the ‘British Independent Film Awards’ and ‘SXSW Film Festival’, as well as receiving critical acclaim with a five-star review from The Guardian.
With multiple screenings on sale now, Grand Theft Hamlet is a perfect film for people from all walks of life to treat themselves to.