Andrew Scott is utterly enthralling to watch as the actor Ian Charleson in a film that shows the determination the actor had not to let AIDS define what he was capable of.
Director Simon Stone has created a wonderfully subtle but powerful film, not only celebrating actor Ian Charleson’s acclaimed performance as Hamlet but also the actor’s resilience in fighting AIDS – refusing to let it define him (with his diagnosis only being unveiled in the wake of his death at the age of 40) in taking on the iconic role.
Written by Stephen Beresford, Elsinore (the title taken from the name of Hamlet’s castle in the play) is an extraordinary story of courage in the wake of having to deal with a devastating illness. It is a film that never shies away from the suffering that AIDS causes, with the moments in the day centre set up by Margaret Johnson (Olivia Colman) providing some of the most poignant moments in the film, beautifully matched with the moments of Shakespeare as Charleson rehearses against the reservations of many who know him. The choice of quotes from Hamlet beautifully match the uncertainty and torment that Charleson feels.
Beresford’s script is constantly well grounded, with many lines really packing a punch – including the conversation between Ian and close friend Georgie (Luke Thompson) in which they discuss the idea of when they were younger about not wanting to get old and now both of them are wondering how long they have left. Another conversation between Ian and his parents is equally as powerful – seeing his father after this sobbing in the car park is heartbreaking. Moments like these reveal just how many people AIDS affects in different ways.
Some may find the film overly sentimental, but actually the way in which it all unfolds is sensitively done and is a real emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. There is a real rawness to every scene that makes it compelling to watch – no matter how difficult it is to see unfold (I certainly was feeling very tearful and I’m sure I heard sobs from my fellow audience members). There are plenty of gut wrenching moments that catch you off-guard but there is also plenty of joyful moments that ensures that the film is well balanced.
Every shot has been chosen with care and for ultimate impact – the shots where Ian is in overwhelming pain or so involved with his performance as Hamlet are almost overwhelming. Meanwhile credit should also be given to Stefan Gregory’s gorgeous score that beautifully weaves in out of the story perfectly.
It does take a little time to get going it does have to be said, the early sequences in which Ian is searching for Kaposi sarcoma lesions (completely understandable in terms of setting the story) and trying to escape people chatting to him about Chariots of Fire (which is amusing) it just begins to feel a little bit repetitive. But once it does settle down and get into its rhythm it is an extraordinary film.
At the centre of it all, Andrew Scott delivers an incredible performance as Ian Charleson. He ensures that nothing about his performance is overblown – it is grounded, raw and his delivery of some of the black humour lines on display throughout makes you sit up and pay attention. It is a detailed and thoughtful performance that enthrals.
He is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast including Olivia Colman as Dr Margaret Johnson who sternly tried to convince him not to take on the role of Hamlet – she is brittle and determined to help those who want their life to extend but as the story continues her character’s compassion also shines through. Billie Piper as Patsy Pollock (a casting agent) also stands out, torn between wanting him to help Charleson to realise his ambition to play Hamlet but devastation as she witnesses the impact the illness is having on him.
Overall, Elsinore is a raw and powerful film that keeps the audience emotionally invested from start to finish.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Elsinore is out in UK cinemas on the 29th January 2027.