LOTR: Discover the Underrated Gollum Portrayal Before Andy Serkis’ Iconic Role

Overview of Gollum’s Cinema Journey

Andy Serkis revolutionized motion-capture acting with his iconic portrayal of Gollum.
The 1977 animated version of Gollum, though often overlooked, played a significant role in shaping the character’s legacy.
Brother Theodore’s unique vocal performance brought a distinct perspective to Gollum, differing from later interpretations.

Andy Serkis’ remarkable depiction of Gollum in the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings is often hailed as a quintessential example of the intersection between acting craft and digital technology. His innovative work pushed the boundaries of motion-capture performances, infusing the character with profound emotional depth and complexity. With the passage of time since the trilogy’s debut, Serkis’ portrayal has become iconic, creating a benchmark that is difficult to surpass or replicate.

Serkis has continued to embody Gollum, reprising the role in 2012’s The Hobbit, and he is set to return in the forthcoming project entitled The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which he will also direct. Despite his influential performance, it is essential to acknowledge that Serkis was not the first to bring Gollum to life. Twenty years prior to his acclaimed portrayal, Gollum appeared in an adaptation that remains underappreciated yet deserving of recognition.

The Origin of Gollum on Screen

An Alternate Interpretation & Artistic Freedom

Gollum from the 1977 animated film The Hobbit

The journey of Gollum began with a 1967 short film by Gene Deitch, created primarily to preserve the film rights to The Hobbit. This 12-minute animation bears little resemblance to Tolkien’s story and serves as a historical footnote. The first full-length adaptation emerged a decade later, in 1977, with Rankin/Bass’s animated television special, a notable shift from the studio’s usual lineup of holiday classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

While this version was positively received during its release, contemporary fans often regard the 1977 adaptation with criticism. The challenge of condensing the narrative into an under-80-minute film led to significant omissions, leaving many crucial story elements unexplored. Moreover, the folk-pop soundtrack by Glenn Yarbrough appears dated to modern audiences. Nevertheless, the film effectively highlights key moments from Tolkien’s work, and the animation, crafted by Topcraft—a predecessor to Studio Ghibli—showcases detailed artistry.

In the context of the narrative, Gollum is a pivotal character, posing a challenge for Bilbo Baggins in his heroic quest. Visually, this animated Gollum captures a more amphibian essence compared to the later depiction by Serkis, featuring drooping skin, a gaping mouth, and a hunched figure. This design choice illustrates the artistic liberty the animators took, as there was no established consensus on Gollum’s appearance at the time.

The Resonance of Gollum’s Voice

Brother Theodore’s Distinctive Vocal Performance

Bilbo Baggins and Gollum in the 1977 animated film The Hobbit

While visual representation is critical, Gollum’s voice is equally significant in establishing his character. The voice of Gollum in this rendition was brought to life by Theodore Gottlieb, widely known as Brother Theodore. His compelling life narrative includes survival from the Holocaust and a career that spanned stage performances and television appearances, famously captivating audiences with his surreal style known as “stand-up tragedy.” His later appearances, especially on Late Night with David Letterman, highlighted his eccentric persona and unique humor.

Brother Theodore’s Gollum voice departs from Serkis’ interpretation, offering a deep and raspy timbre that effectively conveys Gollum’s madness and obsession with the One Ring. This performance encapsulates the character’s deranged qualities, which resonated strongly with viewers, with many noting that Gollum was particularly frightening to children who watched the film. The haunting vocalization adds compelling depth to the animated character, marking him indelibly in the minds of those unfamiliar with Tolkien’s work.

Although Andy Serkis’ portrayal casts a long shadow over Gollum’s cinematic legacy, the 1977 version and Brother Theodore’s distinctive voice performance deserve accolades in their own right. For many audiences, this earlier Gollum served as their initial encounter with the character, establishing a foundation that would later be built upon with Serkis’ game-changing adaptation.

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