MUBI Presents “Grand Theft Hamlet”: A Revolutionary Documentary Combining Shakespeare and Grand Theft Auto

by Luis January 17, 2025

“MUBI presents “Grand Theft Hamlet”, a groundbreaking documentary that combines the world of Grand Theft Auto with the works of William Shakespeare. Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the film follows a group of performers who attempt to stage a full production of “Hamlet” within the game Grand Theft Auto Online. The documentary explores the challenges, creativity, and unexpected connections between the virtual realm and one of the greatest plays in history. With overwhelmingly positive reviews and recognition at SXSW, “Grand Theft Hamlet” offers a unique and captivating cinematic experience for audiences.”

MUBI Presents “Grand Theft Hamlet”: A Revolutionary Documentary Combining Shakespeare and Grand Theft Auto

– “Grand Theft Hamlet” is a documentary film that follows a group of performers attempting to stage a production of “Hamlet” inside the video game “Grand Theft Auto Online.”
– The film was created by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, who recorded their misadventures in the game and incorporated other players from within the game to act in the production.
– The movie explores the connections between the themes in “Hamlet” and the world of “Grand Theft Auto,” and has received positive responses from critics and audiences alike.

“MUBI: A Unique Blend of Grand Theft Auto and Shakespeare in ‘Grand Theft Hamlet'”

MUBI brings an unusual yet captivating cinematic experience with the documentary film “Grand Theft Hamlet.” Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the film follows the journey of a group of performers who embark on a mission to stage a full production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” within the virtual world of Grand Theft Auto Online. This unexpected combination of the popular video game and Shakespearean drama creates a compelling narrative that is sure to captivate audiences.

The idea for “Grand Theft Hamlet” originated during the pandemic lockdown in the UK when Crane and his friend Mark Oosterveen turned to playing Grand Theft Auto as a way to pass the time. Crane began recording their adventures in the game, not knowing exactly what would come out of it. Eventually, they stumbled upon an amphitheater within the game and had the audacious idea to stage a production of “Hamlet” within its virtual walls.

The filmmakers faced numerous challenges along the way, from finding actors within the game to the unpredictability of other players who could disrupt the performance at any moment. Despite the unconventional nature of the project, the team received the support they needed, including approval from Rockstar, the game’s producer.

The decision to choose “Hamlet” as the play to be performed within Grand Theft Auto Online seems unusual at first. However, Crane and Grylls highlight the thematic connections between the two seemingly disparate works. Both explore existentialism, the nature of reality, and the concept of revenge. The filmmakers believe that combining these cultural artifacts results in a unique and significant cinematic experience.

From a logistical standpoint, creating a feature film solely within the confines of a video game presented its own set of challenges. Grylls, as a first-time feature director, had to learn the intricacies of the game and develop a cinematic language to tell the story unfolding within it. With limited resources, the team had to be resourceful in their filmmaking approach.

Additionally, the filmmakers had to navigate the unpredictability of other players within the game and ensure the cast’s performance would not be interrupted. They live-streamed the performance, knowing that any disruption could affect the stream. Despite these obstacles, the stream of the “Hamlet” performance was a success, receiving acclaim from critics and audiences alike.