Elsinore review: Andrew Scott brings humor and divinity to this profound bio-drama
'Elsinore' stars Andrew Scott as Scottish actor Ian Charleson, when he starred as Hamlet while dying from AIDS.
In a profound bio-drama, Andrew Scott brings humor and divinity to his role as Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor known for his performance in Chariots of Fire. Written by Stephen Beresford, the film centers on the last play of Charleson's life, when he starred as Hamlet in a National Theater production while battling AIDS. The story, set in 1989 London during the height of the AIDS crisis, explores how the actor chooses to live in the face of death.
Elsinore is not merely a tale of death, but rather how one chooses to live their life. The film is filled with joy and laughter, proving that even in the darkest of times, hope and ecstasy can be found. Director Simon Stone and actor Andrew Scott work together to create a movie that is both honest and uplifting, with humor shining through even in the most tragic scenes.
The film's comedy stems from the world of theater, with characters like the stage door worker and Ian's best friend, Billie Piper, adding light and levity alongside their on-screen daughter. However, the film does not shy away from exploring more complex themes, such as Ian's strained relationship with queer filmmaker Derek Jarman.
Andrew Scott's performance as Ian Charleson has been universally praised, with critics out of the Telluride Film Festival and TIFF acknowledging his remarkable portrayal. The film's script provides Scott with ample material to work with, making it a career-best performance for the actor. While the third act falters slightly with clichéd montages, the overall experience of Elsinore is one of visceral connection and reflection on our own lives.
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