I’ve come across numerous adaptations of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” with a variety of actors putting their unique spin on the timeless tale, whether on stage or the silver screen. However, “Grand Theft Hamlet” brings something entirely fresh to the table. It’s not just another rendition of the classic play; it’s set in the universe of GTA Online. What makes this project stand out is that it’s not simply a verbatim recreation of “Hamlet” within the game. Instead, it’s a documentary chronicling the immense effort and planning that went into staging this ambitious venture.
The creative minds behind this unique project are the husband-and-wife duo Pinny Grylls, a skilled documentarian, and Sam Crane, an actor, both based in the UK. “Grand Theft Hamlet” originated during the pandemic when the world was largely in lockdown, and the usual avenues for actors were temporarily closed. Faced with these challenges, Grylls and Crane turned to the virtual world of video games as an innovative platform for theater, capturing the journey through their documentary.
From the trailer, it’s evident that the film is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly profound, striking this delicate balance throughout. One of the most amusing aspects is how they’re frequently interrupted by other players, yet it’s heartening to see how so many gamers came together to support and realize this creative endeavor, despite the obvious hurdles. Projects like these – quirky and artistic in nature – truly capture my imagination.
Mark your calendars for January 17 when “Grand Theft Hamlet” will make its theater debut, and keep an eye out for its future release on the streaming service Mubi.
