YES. This is what it’s all about people. This movie has been hyped up for me and I was really worried I would be disappointed, but happily, I was not. This Norwegian gem and 2011 Sundance Film Festival selection is yet another great film from Magnet Releasing. As the name implies, The Troll Hunter, is about a man who hunts trolls. After the mysterious death of a bear, three local students set out to find an explanation by seeking out a local poacher. They film their journey and after badgering the poacher, he agrees to let them come with him on his quest. What would you do if someone told you they hunted trolls?
Now, that may sound completely silly, but the film is shot documentary-style and played completely straight. This mythology is explained and is often quite hilarious in the best possible way. All the actors have experience in comedy and improv, so the film really has a sense of authenticity that can only come from a non-scripted environment. The role of the troll hunter was written specifically for comedian Otto Jespersen, who really grounds the film with the complex character of a man who hunts trolls as a job.
I am not a fan of the handheld style, but somehow this film is able to capture the spirit of a documentary without nausea and shakiness normally associated with it. All of the footage seems believable and would actually happen given the situation. I mean, if you were being chased, would you take the time to turn off the camera?
Although it does drag a little in the third act, I would highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys movies of the mythical nature. It’s kind of a horror movie, but not really; writer/Director André Øvredal manages to walk a fine line and not make it campy.
Rating: Thrilling and totally original. Not to be missed. 9/10
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