What can you do with $3,000 and a group of dedicated LOTR fans? Make a kick-ass fan movie, that’s what. The Hunt for Gollum is a 40-minute fan-made film based on the Lord of the Rings books and movies. And more importantly, it’s good. Surprisingly so.
Based on Tolkien’s appendices, The Hunt for Gollum remains true to its source material and fits in nicely with the three official Peter Jackson films. The story is a prequel of sorts that follows Aragorn on his quest from Gandalf to track down and capture the creature Gollum, who knows the whereabouts of the One Ring. It takes place before Gandalf returns to The Shire, to warn Frodo of the dangers of his burden.
Everything from the costumes and make-up to the film’s score and acting is well done, and closely mimics Jackson’s style of direction and visual effects. The fight scenes were epic and well choreographed.
Even Gollum looks and sounds great:
It’s an impressive accomplishment for such a limited budget (the entire cast and crew worked for free). Huge props to the filmmakers, who are as talented as they are dedicated. The film was released today, May 3rd, and is available to watch free online. You can also check out the making of this epic undertaking here. Visit www.TheHuntForGollum.com, or click the banner below. If you’re a LOTR fan, I highly recommend you go watch it—NOW!
