“Elsinore”
(UK/Italy/USA/France)
Screened at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival (4/5)
OutLook Competition
Letterboxd (4/5), Imdb.com (8/10), TMDB.com (8/10), Imdb.com critics review
#BrentMarchant #Elsinore #ChiFilmFest #AndrewScott #OliviaColman #Hamlet #WilliamShakespeare #London #IanCharleson #AIDS #ChariotsofFire #NationalTheatre #DanielDayLewis #LGBTQ #biopic #EricLiddell #Olympian #sportsdrama
When it comes to fulfilling a particularly grand, arduous goal, it’s often been said that “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” But, when faced with such conditions, how realistic is it that the objective will be reached, especially if the odds are stacked against us? Much depends on the determination of the individual involved, as becomes apparent in this new LGBTQ+ biopic from director Simon Stone. In 1981, London-based actor Ian Charleson (Andrew Scott) launched what appeared to be a promising career as Olympian Eric Liddell in the Academy Award-winning sports drama, “Chariots of Fire.” However, much to his disappointment, few opportunities came his way in subsequent years. So, naturally, events took a pleasant turn m 1989, when he was cast to replace Daniel Day-Lewis as the lead in a production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the National Theatre. There was just one hitch – Charleson had been diagnosed with AIDS. And, because of his health, questions arose about whether he could handle playing one of the most demanding roles in all of acting, particularly when it became apparent that his well-being was fading quickly. For his part, however, Charleson was determined to carry on, despite serious cautions from his physician, Dr. Margaret Johnson (Olivia Colman). Thus began Charleson’s campaign to take on two challenges simultaneously: his efforts to mount a role that he dreamed about but had reservations about whether he was up to it (especially when following in the footsteps of a fellow performer as renowned as Daniel Day-Lewis) and his battle against his own health, a race against time that was beginning to run out. While AIDS-related films were at one time a staple of LGBTQ+ cinema, they had largely disappeared in recent years, most likely due to oversaturation in the early days of this emerging genre. However, this offering marks a return to this material, in part because of its alternative take on the subject, one that’s rooted in fact, another element of differentiation. And, aside from some occasional pacing issues in the middle, it carries off the story brilliantly. The film’s strongest asset undoubtedly rests with its magnificent award-worthy performance by Scott, who not only masterfully pulls off the multifaceted aspects of the part, but who also bears an incredibly uncanny resemblance to Charleson. Credit Colman for a fine supporting turn as well, strong as ever, even if she’s somewhat underused in the role. Moreover, viewers will want to be sure to bring hankies with them to this release, too, especially for the picture’s positively stirring closing act. “Elsinore” is one of those releases that has largely flown below the radar thus far, but here’s hoping it gains the following it truly deserves as awards season progresses – and that Charleson posthumously merits in recognition of his talents, not to mention his courage.