Desperation breeds creativity – when the first waves of Corona swept the globe, making films was nearly impossible. Lockdowns led to a surge of webcam productions, most unconvincing. Instead of such endeavors, many unemployed actors – like much of the world’s population – played video games out of frustration. For example, Grand Theft Auto, as in the case of Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen.
Grand Theft Hamlet
During one of their online game escapades, the two stumbled upon an open-air stage. With real-life theaters closed due to the pandemic (we’re talking 2021), they spontaneously decided to stage a complete Hamlet production within the world of Grand Theft Auto. Weapons and cars were quickly repurposed as props, fellow players recruited as ensemble members.
How well – or poorly – this worked is shown in the SXSW-award-winning documentary "Grand Theft Hamlet". It was filmed entirely within the game, also using the in-game mobile phone camera for close-ups and landscape pans. A preview of the result is provided by the trailer:
Further details on the creation are revealed by cinematographer Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane in this Q&A as part of a BFI screening:
We find the idea highly charming and, apparently, it was implemented very convincingly – numerous good film reviews are linked on 
Rotten Tomatoes.
And after the film recently played in US and UK cinemas, it will be available online worldwide from February 21st, on the streaming service Mubi. Incidentally, Mubi offers a special deal for new subscribers until February 9th, where you pay only one euro for 3 months. (However, the subscription then continues at the regular price of 13.99 euros unless cancelled beforehand.)
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