Interview – Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane discuss Grand Theft Hamlet

Grand Theft Auto V has been playable across three generations of consoles. Silly antics have been captured on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, all the way to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It is a game that defined a generation. The series itself is one of the most important in gaming history, redefining the medium with its innovative open-world design. However, few would have anticipated that William Shakespeare’s Hamlet would be recreated in the wild and wacky world of Grand Theft Auto.

Directors Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane brought this bold idea to life in 2022, and now we get to see how the trials and tribulations unfolded in their documentary, Grand Theft Hamlet.

Having been fortunate enough to see this film at the London Film Festival 2024, I was even more thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Pinny and Sam ahead of its nationwide cinema release. We discussed everything from why Sam began playing Grand Theft Auto in the first place to the importance of showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Grand Theft Hamlet is a unique project that will undoubtedly appeal to both theatre enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Grand Theft Hamlet will be released in UK & Irish cinemas by Tull Stories from 6 December, then streaming globally on MUBI in early 2025. 

You can read our review for Grand Theft Hamlet here – Read Our Review

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

Visit Website View All Posts