The 70th BFI London Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday with the European premiere of “Elsinore,” a movie that, as the credits rolled, left large swathes of the audience at the Royal Festival Hall wiping away tears. But just moments later, as the name of lead star Andrew Scott appeared on stage, the loud snuffles were replaced with whoops and, in rather uncharacteristically British style, a standing ovation for the actor. Directed by Simon Stone from a script by Simon Beresford, “Elsinore” — already expected to be among the awards season hopefuls — sees Scott portray famed Scottish actor and “Chariots of Fire” star Ian Charleson.
In 1989, while already succumbing to complications from AIDS, Charleson replaced Daniel Day-Lewis in “Hamlet” at London’s National Theatre after the actor had walked off stage mid-performance, never to return to the production. Charleson received rave reviews, but died just seven weeks after bowing out. Speaking on stage ahead of the premiere, Stone introduced his cast, including “the great Andrew Scott.” While Scott said little before “Elsinore” began, afterwards he made a special presentation in which he called up the real-life individuals from the film and the actors portraying then, including the National Theatre’s stage doorkeeper for 46 years, Linda Tolhurst (played by Monica Dolan), itss long-serving dresser Ralph Mills (Paul Chahidi), and director and Charleson’s close friend Sean Mathias (Matthew Beard).
But the biggest round of applause — and other standing ovation — was reserved for pioneering HIV/AIDS consultant Dr. Margaret Johnson (Olivia Colman). We love you.” Speaking to Variety before the premiere, LFF head Kristy Matheson said she’d first seen “Elsinore” — which has amassed widespread critical acclaim since premiering in Telluride — with colleagues during the summer.
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