The COVID lockdowns affected many people globally in various ways. But one commonality was the escapism through video games, and one of the most popular video games of the last decade, played by millions during the lockdowns, was Grand Theft Auto Online – a large-scale, playable world where mayhem rules supreme. Violence, car chases, planes exploding, gravity defying physics – all at the control of the vivid (and often psychotic) imaginations of those who helm the joysticks.
For UK actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, being in lockdown for the majority of 2021 left them both out of work, but gave them ample time to connect online playing Grand Theft Auto. During an explosive escapade avoiding the NPC police, their online characters come across the Vinewood Bowl – a GTA equivalent to the outdoor stage arena, the Hollywood Bowl.
It’s in this moment that the two actors, both chomping at the bit to perform once more, come up with the crazy idea of staging a play within the game, utilising the vast and unique areas of this world, along with fellow players who were willing, to perform a fully online rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Catching wind of this never before conceived idea was Sam’s wife, documentarian Pinny Grylls, who joins the two thespians on their journey to bring the works of Shakespeare to the fictional Los Santos, documenting their process and progress all within the game.
That’s right – the entirety of Grand Theft Hamlet was shot within Grand Theft Auto Online, making this incredibly unique documentary one of the most heartwarming, uplifting and hilarious Let’s Play videos ever made.
Grand Theft Hamlet is a touching tale about the importance of human connection and community, not just through a love of theatre, but through video games. Watching Sam and Mark go through virtual hell to try and put on a decent production of Hamlet in a world of which this task should be an impossible feat makes for incredibly engaging viewing. But what really works is the emotional investment brought in by the strangers they manage to convince to be a part of the production.
Tender moments of people giving their reasons to be a part of the production pull on the heartstrings with sheer authenticity, as everyone watching can relate to the idea of wanting to be accepted by a community, and the power of genuine connection. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the impact the lockdowns have on everyone, with people discussing lost loved ones and strains on relationships adding so many layers of emotional substance to this film.
Sam, Mark and Pinny often share emotional moments with each, but it’s the cavalcade of other players who join throughout the story that opens up the idea of how big the world may seem, but how close we all really are at heart, and is a massive reason why this documentary is so touching.
But, what also comes with the idea to set a play within the world of GTA is the relentless chaos of everyone else in this open world hellscape who are there to do what the game truly intends – cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible. Whether it’s rehearsal’s being interrupted by gun-wielding psychos or blimps exploding without warning, it’s these hilarious moments of levity that balance out the emotionally deep undertones of Grand Theft Hamlet.
Grand Theft Hamlet is a truly endearing examination of the power of community and the desire for human connection, but through an incredibly unique lens – both technically with the filmmaking style of the documentary, and the idea that video games are a way for people to bond. Mixed in with frequently hilarious and chaotic moments, this heartfelt documentary will have audiences smiling from start to end.
Grand Theft Hamlet is playing at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
