Movie Pass Adventures: Grand Theft Hamlet

Oh, day and night, but this is wondrous strange.

A shot from Grand Theft Hamlet composed in Grand Theft Auto. The shoulders and back of the head of Hamlet (Sam Crane). He is wearing a pink and grey floral t-shirt. His head is shaved on the sides and back. The hair on top is a vibrant teal. He is looking out over a sky of wispy white clouds.

This movie is about the first play performed in a video game world, and it’s all in-game recordings. During COVID lockdown in England, two actors stumble across a giant outdoor stage and are inspired to mount an in-game production of Hamlet. I’ve never played the game, but I knew that it builds its cities based on real world locations. I was amused when I saw that the stage they found was modeled on the Hollywood Bowl, which is just a few miles from my home.

There are some scenes that were clearly recreated to allow for some more nuanced acting, but most of the movie seems to be captures of actual rehearsals and performances. It’s a pretty fun spin on the “Let’s Put On A Show” movie.

The Grand Movie Poster

My silly poster project has caused me some surprising stress about the movies I choose to see. “That looks interesting, but I don’t know how I’ll spoof the poster.” My current plan: just watch the damn movies and worry about the poster after.

This was my best idea for this movie. Does it work? Not really. It’s hard to find a GTA screenshot using one point perspective.

A poster for Grand Theft Hamlet that vaguely resembles the poster for The Grand Budapest Hotel.  

Part of the Los Santos skyline, modeled after the Los Angeles skyline, with smaller, older buildings in the foreground. The image looks like it was designed to simulate sunset, and has an overall pink tone.

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