THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM: Fan-made film from the world of THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy left movie theaters long ago. So, what can a Tolkien fan do? Of course, they could watch the trilogy for the hundredth time. However, a better option might be to watch the 40-minute short film “The Hunt for Gollum” for the first time. This film is another attempt to engage with Tolkien’s work, but this time, it’s not backed by a major studio and a huge budget. Instead, it’s the work of a group of fans who decided to make their own film. “The Hunt for Gollum” was made on a small budget, but with great passion. However, beyond passion, skills are also needed to make the film watchable for more than just the creators themselves. It turns out that the filmmakers approached the production very professionally, and watching it is not a waste of time.

The film’s action takes place before the events we know from the original trilogy. The secret of the discovery of the One Ring is safe, and no one knows about it yet. However, Gandalf overlooked one detail – Gollum, the Ring’s previous owner. This creature knows where the Ring is and will try to reclaim it at any cost. Aragorn undertakes a mission to track and capture Gollum so that Gandalf can learn what knowledge Gollum truly holds about the Ring. The simple plot essentially revolves around wandering through forests in search of the creature. Unfortunately, the plot is not the strongest point of “The Hunt for Gollum”. There’s a mission, some forest walking, and some fighting. However, despite its simplicity, the story works well as a short episode that enriches the world of “The Lord of the Rings”.

What immediately stands out in “The Hunt for Gollum” are the beautiful cinematography and stunning shots that would not be out of place in a big-budget production. The gorgeously filmed landscapes give the film a unique, magical atmosphere. As it turns out, you don’t need to fly all the way to New Zealand to film suitable fantasy settings. The technical side is undoubtedly a strong point of “The Hunt for Gollum”. The special effects are well-executed, though some moments do come across as artificial. Costumes and makeup were prepared with attention to even the smallest details. However, one could criticize the filmmakers for mostly recreating what was already seen in the trilogy: costumes, makeup, and Gollum’s appearance. It’s a shame, as I had hoped for a more creative and original take on the world of Middle-earth. Unfortunately, not everything is on the same high level as the technical aspects. The acting is the biggest flaw. Adrian Webster, who plays Aragorn, unfortunately lacks acting ability. Aragorn’s performance is stiff and unnatural, making it hard to believe at times that we are watching the great warrior and tracker. Often, his performance gives the impression of a lost child in the woods who doesn’t quite know what to do. Patrick O’Connor does a slightly better job as Gandalf, perhaps because he only appears on screen briefly. The best performers in the cast are the extras playing orcs; their roars were excellent.

“The Hunt for Gollum” is a well-shot film that avoids major production mishaps, with the biggest issue being the acting quality. While this is undoubtedly a film best enjoyed by Tolkien fans and lovers of the trilogy, even the casual viewer may find something to appreciate.

Written by Krzysztof Pietrzyk.