‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ Blends Shakespeare and Gaming in Award-Winning Documentary

The innovative film stages Hamlet entirely within Grand Theft Auto Online, exploring creativity during the pandemic.

‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ is a British documentary that stages Shakespeare’s Hamlet entirely within the virtual world of Grand Theft Auto Online.
Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the film chronicles their creative process and challenges, including navigating the chaotic nature of the game’s environment.
The project originated during the pandemic as a way for out-of-work actors to perform, blending theater, gaming, and documentary filmmaking.
The film has won multiple awards, including at SXSW and the British Independent Film Awards, and is now available for streaming on MUBI.
The documentary uses the game’s in-built tools to maintain authenticity, showcasing the intersection of video games and traditional art forms.