Grand Theft Hamlet: A Hilarious and Unexpected Take on Shakespeare
This review is based on a screening at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival.
Grand Theft Hamlet, currently playing in theaters, offers a fresh and surprisingly funny perspective on Shakespeare's classic tragedy. The film cleverly reimagines the familiar story within a modern-day setting, resulting in a cinematic experience that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. While it deviates significantly from the source material, it retains the core themes of betrayal, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. The updated context allows for clever commentary on contemporary society and its parallels to the Elizabethan era. The performances are energetic and engaging, successfully balancing comedic moments with the underlying dramatic weight of the narrative. This isn't your grandmother's Hamlet; it's a bold and inventive reimagining that's sure to spark conversation.
