Brief
Andrew Scott opens BFI London Film Festival with ‘Elsinore’ tribute to Ian Charleson
The festival opened with a moving tribute to Ian Charleson and Dr. Margaret Johnson, highlighted by a standing ovation for Andrew Scott.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The 70th BFI London Film Festival opened on Wednesday with the European premiere of “Elsinore” at the Royal Festival Hall, starring Andrew Scott as actor Ian Charleson.
What happened
“Elsinore,” directed by Simon Stone from a script by Simon Beresford, dramatizes Charleson’s 1989 replacement of Daniel Day‑Lewis in “Hamlet” at the National Theatre while he was battling AIDS. After the film, Scott introduced the real‑life figures portrayed, including National Theatre doorkeeper Linda Tolhurst (Monica Dolan), dresser Ralph Mills (Paul Chahidi) and director Sean Mathias (Matthew Beard). He also honored HIV/AIDS consultant Dr. Margaret Johnson (Olivia Colman) with a standing ovation.
What the reports add
Variety noted that the audience moved from tears during the credits to cheers when Scott’s name was announced, and that the film has been hailed as an awards‑season hopeful after its Telluride debut. The outlet also quoted LFF head Kristy Matheson, who said she first saw the film in the summer and felt “we were really so sure of the film from the second it finished.”
What was said
Scott said, “It’s difficult to underestimate the impact this person had on the development of treatment for people suffering with HIV and AIDS… she is a true life hero,” referring to Dr. Johnson. He added, “We want you to be able to remember not just Ian’s death, but how extraordinarily he lived… the song encapsulates this man who loved this industry so much.” Matheson told Variety, “It was one of those films where we walked out and we just had to really take a beat.”
How it came about
The opening night location, a few metres from the National Theatre where Charleson gave his final performance, added poignancy. The festival’s competition jury will be presided over by Sam Pollard, as reported in Felo’s earlier coverage of the event’s jury appointments.
Key facts
- The 70th BFI London Film Festival opened with the European premiere of “Elsinore.” (variety.com)
- Andrew Scott plays Ian Charleson, who replaced Daniel Day‑Lewis in “Hamlet” in 1989 while ill with AIDS. (variety.com)
- Scott honored Dr. Margaret Johnson, a pioneering HIV/AIDS consultant, with a standing ovation. (variety.com)
- LFF head Kristy Matheson said she first saw the film in the summer and was convinced of its quality. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “London Film Festival Hails the ‘Great Andrew Scott’ as ‘Elsinore’ Opens 70th Edition With Tears, Cheers and ‘The Ethel Merman Disco Album’”
