UPDATE MAY 2024

Following the announcement of ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’, Warner Bros has filed a copyright strike against the fan film that has the same name, resulting in the film being removed from YouTube, even though the fan film has been on YouTube for 15 years with over 13 million views.

Such petty behaviour from such a big company.

Especially as the director Chris Bouchard had an understanding with Tolkien Enterprises:
“We got in touch with Tolkien Enterprises and reached an understanding with them that as long as we are completely non-profit then we’re okay. We have to be careful not to disrespect their ownership of the intellectual property. They are supportive of the way fans wish to express their enthusiasm.”

And… another UPDATE:
I had removed the YouTube video link, but it would appear the power of Tolkien fans has prevailed – Warner Bros has withdrawn their copyright strike and YouTube has reinstated the video – yay!!

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This is the 3rd independently made film set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth that I’ve watched.

‘The Hunt for Gollum’ fleshes out part of what Gandalf related to Frodo in the chapter, ‘The Shadow of the Past’, in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ about the hunt for Gollum:
‘‘The Wood-elves tracked him first… Through Mirkwood and back again it led them, though they never caught him. The wood was full of the rumour of him, dreadful tales… The Woodmen said that there was some new terror abroad, a ghost that drank blood. It climbed trees to find nests; it crept into holes to find the young; it slipped through windows to find cradles…
‘… that was years ago… The trail was long cold when I took it up again, after Bilbo left here. And my search would have been in vain, but for the help that I had from a friend: Aragorn… at last, when I had given up the chase… Gollum was found. My friend returned out of great perils bringing the miserable creature with him.”’

The director and producer, Chris Bouchard, has taken that as his inspiration to create a dark story full of suspense told in a span of 40 minutes.

After a narrative opening, the film takes us to the Inn of the Prancing Pony, where Aragorn, played by Adrian Webster, meets with Gandalf, played by Patrick O’Connor.

It is here that Gandalf tells Aragorn that Gollum has left his home in search of the Ring, travelling south, and Aragorn takes on the task of finding the creature.

Most of the film is of Aragorn’s lone travels through Rhovanion as he searches for Gollum, and some of the ‘great perils’ he faces.

Aragorn stands before an ancient statue, pausing during his hunt for Gollum

The main fight scene is well choreographed and visceral, capturing the danger and desperation as Aragorn, surrounded by Orcs, battles for his life.

I appreciated that the fight scene was the opposite of what’s become the norm, the ridiculous moments of the enemy patiently waiting in line to fight the hero only to be killed with little effort.

The casting is spot-on.

Patrick O’Connor does a good job portraying, not only the look of Gandalf, but the wizard’s thoughtful side too.

Adrian Webster has quite the task of carrying the film as he’s in most of it, but he manages it with a quiet confidence, depicting the underlying sadness of an exiled noble, a king in hiding.

We get glimpses of Gollum, voiced by Gareth Brough and Jason Perino, who’ve done a superb job with his sound and manner of speaking.

And the Orcs look and act like Orcs.

All the characters look authentic, with costumes and makeup, more or less, matching the visual style of Peter Jackson’s films.

Shot in Wales and Epping Forest, Bouchard has also captured the imagery and atmosphere of Jackson’s films, tense yet magical.

There are some beautifully shot scenes, especially in the earlier half, as Aragorn makes his way through Rhovanion.

Aragorn travelling through the countryside as he hunts Gollum

Despite the stunning imagery, a sense of dread permeates the film, which I find impressive considering we know the outcome as the story is set between ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

‘The Hunt for Gollum’ doesn’t come across like a fan-made film; instead, it has the feel of a professional, big-budget production.

Obviously, the film isn’t perfect – there are times it looks a little rough, and some of the dialogue doesn’t flow that well – but, compared to shows that cost millions of dollars to produce, Bouchard’s film delivers on the one thing a viewer wants, quality entertainment, at a fraction of the cost.

Although I’m no expert, I’d say Chris Bouchard possesses an accomplished filmmaker’s skill and vision.

And he and his team are generous to boot; this film is also free to watch, and I recommend setting aside 40 minutes to enjoy it.

Film Review - 'The Hunt for Gollum' (Tolkien Fan-Made Film)