Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Andrew Scott Shines as Ian Charleson in Elsinore Review
Elsinore is a film about actor Ian Charleson and the last major role of his life.
Charleson became famous in movies such as Chariots of Fire and Gandhi, but he loved performing on stage.
He was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS when the disease was difficult for people to discuss openly.
When another actor left a production of Hamlet, Charleson was invited to play the lead.
He accepted even though he was very sick and doctors warned that the work could harm him.
He performed Hamlet 24 times at the National Theatre.
Andrew Scott plays Charleson and is praised for showing his courage, humor and love of acting.
The film focuses more on Charleson's determination to live fully than on death.
Elsinore portrays Ian Charleson's final stage performance as Hamlet while living with full-blown AIDS.
Andrew Scott plays Charleson, who returned to the National Theatre after Daniel Day-Lewis left the production.
Charleson performed 24 times despite chemotherapy, worsening illness and warnings from his doctor.
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and was directed by Simon Stone from Stephen Beresford's screenplay.
Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn and Peter Mullan lead a supporting cast praised alongside Scott.
- Who
- Actor Ian Charleson is portrayed by Andrew Scott, with support from Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn and others.
- What
- Elsinore is a drama about Charleson's final period of life and his performance as Hamlet while living with AIDS.
- When
- The story centers on the end of the 1980s; the film had its world premiere Friday night at the Telluride Film Festival.
- Where
- The central performance takes place at Britain's National Theatre, and the film premiered in Telluride.
- Why
- Charleson pursued the Hamlet role because of his passion for theater and his determination to fulfill a major artistic dream despite his illness.
- Film
- Elsinore
- Subject
- Ian Charleson's final period and his performance as Hamlet
- Lead actor
- Andrew Scott
- Director
- Simon Stone
- Screenwriter
- Stephen Beresford
- Festival
- Telluride Film Festival
- Running time
- 1 hour 51 minutes
- Distributor
- Focus Features