Actor Andrew Scott discussed his role in the film “Elsinore” and the challenges faced by gay actors at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, which debuted at Telluride, portrays Scottish actor Ian Charleson as he battles AIDS while preparing for a production of “Hamlet” in 1989. Scott, who is openly gay, also spoke about his early experiences in film and the personal connection he feels to the themes explored in “Elsinore.”
Directed by Simon Stone, “Elsinore” centers on Charleson’s determination to perform despite his declining health, with Olivia Colman playing his doctor who advises against the strenuous undertaking. Variety noted the potential for Scott to make history, as no openly gay man has ever won the Oscar for Best Actor. Scott himself previously played Hamlet in a 2017 production.
At TIFF’s “In Conversation” series on September 12, moderated by Keith Bennie, TIFF’s vice president of public programming, Scott addressed the internet’s fascination with him, joking, “I don’t have the internet. I never see it,” before adding, “It’s actually wild: You never know what feral things people [will say].” He described “Elsinore” as his first produced film, stating it “took a huge amount of encouragement and support and vision from so many people” to complete.
Scott emphasized the personal significance of the project, explaining, “You go through stages with it and the film is so incredibly personal for me, which is the reason why I chose to produce this one. It’s set in the theater and about the representation of gay actors in the ‘90s and it’s about family. So many things that I really relate to.” He also recounted his debut in the 1995 film “Korea,” highlighting the impact of veteran actor Donal Donnelly, who demonstrated both authority and respect on set. Scott described the experience as “extraordinary,” recalling he was 17 at the time.
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