I was pleasantly surprised to see an cinema full of people waiting to watch Grand Theft Hamlet at my preview screening. Some audience members could be heard saying they’ve never played GTA or video games for that matter in their life but this film showed them a whole new world afterwards. A new appreciation for the art that is video games.
Grand Theft Hamlet is a film shot entirely inside of GTA Online. It’s both hilarious and heartfelt. The entire audience laughed out loud on many occasions during the 90 minute runtime. There were also many moments that showed why video games are incredible and anything is possible. It has been written and directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane. It stars the couple along with Mark Oosterveen.
For those unaware what the film is, let’s talk about it. Grand Theft Hamlet tells the tale of how two out of work actors attempt to put on a production (complete with auditions and rehearsals) within a GTA Online lobby. Players of GTAO know that randoms can usually be a big problem. From griefing sell missions to just endless chasing and explosive chaos using the Oppressor Mk II, sometimes you just can’t get criminal work done. Or enjoy a quiet moment across southern San Andreas with NPCs or other players ruining it.
It’s lockdown during the global pandemic and for actors Sam and Mark life is tough. They can’t work and they’re spending time playing Grand Theft Auto Online together. They stumble upon the Vinewood Bowl in Los Santos. It gives them an idea to perform something on stage in front of a crowd of GTA Online players. Using the in-game text function, they ask the other players in the lobby if they’d like to see Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the Vinewood Bowl.
It becomes evident quickly that it will not be an easy task. Gun fire, explosions, lack of interest and Police. The challenge of it spurs them on. A journey opens up. A few people from all walks of life across the world decide to partake and a community is born. Of course, it is not without mishaps like randoms killing the cast in-game.
It is a documentary of sorts rather than the retelling of William Shakespeare’s play. From the discovery of constraints to real life issues setting back developments, there is more to it than reading a script and talking in game chat. It might be quite low production compared to other GTA Online films posted on YouTube but that is part of the charm. It is taking a few people who don’t use the game’s more advanced filmmaking tools and finding a community.
GTA V and GTA Online has a director mode which allows anyone to create their own films within GTA Online. This does not use that. There are some scenic shots that are beautiful. GTA V might be over a decade old but there is a timeless look. It displays well on a rather large cinemas screen. The amateur way of doing it all adds charm; it is grounded.
The HUD is on for many shots but we do see a switch between first and third person camera perspectives. That’s great for pre-recorded content but that is not what the goal of Grand Theft Hamlet was. The play was going to be live streamed on Twitch and YouTube in real time. The production evolved throughout the film from simply taking place at the Bowl to transporting the cast, in-game audience and those at home to different locations in San Andreas.
Video games are art made by artists and a lot of what the talented people did at Rockstar is on show in this film. It enables this to happen. For example, some of the laughter occurs mainly down to the NPC voice lines. That said, how the crew of Grand Theft Hamlet make use of it is also funny. For the most part though, the big laughs come from Sam and Mark’s British humour along with all of the cast members they pick up along the way.
A selection of scenes, which were scripted, come off a bit much. There is some fun to be had but with so much of the film being completely improvised, the switch up is a little too far. The small downsides are forgotten when a moving part of the story takes place. These moments are events happening in a person’s real life and the emotion comes through a PlayStation microphone and GTA emotes.
Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online’s magic is captured wonderfully throughout. What can be done thanks to the artists who make games and the artist in players should be celebrated. This film shows some of the very best that games can do. If you like GTA Online and a laugh, add this to your watch list.
Grand Theft Hamlet releases in UK cinemas on December 6th. You can view the list of cinemas showing the film on its website here. A global release is scheduled for early 2025. It will also be available to watch on streaming services next year too. Are you going to watch Grand Theft Hamlet in cinemas? Let us know down in the comments.
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3 Comments
Hell yeah!!! Whenever it comes to the US or streaming platforms… Can’t wait!!!
Watched the trailer….this is just a few guys talking while playing GTA Online. It’s absolutely nothing special and completely cringe worthy.
Watched the trailer….this is just a few guys talking while playing GTA Online. It’s absolutely nothing special and completely cringe worthy.