Review by Stuart Barr
Stars Otto Jespersen, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck, Tomas Alf Larsen, Urmila Berg-Domaas, Hans Morten Hansen,
Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Nærum
Written by André Øvredal & Håvard S Johansen
Certification UK 15 | US PG-13
Runtime 90 minutes
Directed by André Øvredal
Another in the long line of found footage films that goes back to Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust, Troll Hunter opens with an on-screen message that what the audience is about to see is edited from the contents of two hard drives recovered from the wilds of Norway, and that after extensive examination the footage is believed to be genuine.
A group of Norwegian student filmmakers are making a documentary on bear hunting. They believe they may have found evidence of a poacher, Hans (Jespersen), at work, and decide to track the man and his battered Land Rover. Although their early attempts to interview Hans are soundly rebuffed, director Thomas (the appealing Michael J Fox-alike Tosterud) is persistent. Eventually the crew follow Hans on a nocturnal venture into the woods and discover that he is no bear poacher, but in fact is stalking something far more dangerous. It’s no real spoiler to say what Hans is actually hunting as there is a rather large clue in the film's title.
At the centre of the film, troll hunter Hans is a terrific character; a mythic hero defending the people and land of Norway but with an inferiority complex that means he sees himself as a minor civil servant. Hans is initially taciturn, but soon opens up to the young filmmakers, showing them the tricks of his trade.
Troll Hunter is unusual among the majority of found footage films, in that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. In fact this is often a very funny film indeed. Many of the cast have a stand up background, and much of the film is improvised (although you wouldn’t know it). There is some very funny business involving a wildlife dept official attempting to explain some more unusual evidence of mayhem by blaming it on itinerant Russian bears, rather than more trustworthy Norwegian bears. The film is full of wit and invention, and the use of Norwegian folklore gives it a freshness that makes it more than just another monster movie. There are several different types of trolls, each with their own hilariously disgusting personal habits.
First time feature director Øvredal has a significant track record in advertising, and unlike many found footage films, Troll Hunter is scrupulous in maintaining the illusion of being shot with a single handheld camera. However it is still a very nice looking film, with much of the action being set in spectacular Norwegian landscapes. The special effects range from the adequate to very good, but engaging characters, an exciting story and smart direction ensure the audience’s suspension of disbelief.
Above all Troll Hunter is a supremely entertaining rollercoaster ride leading to a spectacular climax that, given a receptive audience, will blow the roof off the cinema.