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Hardest Hobbit to Break, The

Dominic Phillips, 2018

Beyond the Shire and beyond hope, Paul - a 6 foot 5 man - lives his life under the delusion that he is a Hobbit from Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ stories. This mockumentary follows him one day as he travels, not across Middle Earth, but across Edinburgh. His mum, bus driver and local barmaid all weigh in with their thoughts about Paul and his strange behaviour.

Clip Details

Genre: Comedy

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Colour, Sound, Live Action, Fiction

Clip Length: 05:52

Age Group: S1-S3

Classroom Activities

  • Consider the film’s opening shot. What can you see? What kind of camera shot is being used? Why is this an effective opening to the film? How does it help to create the film’s tone?
  • What moments can you identify that seem to emphasise the main character’s disconnection and possible loneliness?
  • What documentary filmmaking techniques are used in this film? Why are these techniques used and how do they lend a sense of reliability and truth to a documentary?
  • This film was made for the 48 Hour Film Project and had to feature these elements: Genre - Fantasy / Fish out of water; Character - Dr McKenzie Menendez; Prop – Popcorn; Line of dialogue - "I love you". How well do you think each element has been integrated into the film?
  • Are you familiar with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ films or books? Can you identify the references used in this film?
  • Paul clearly is living under a delusion but is mostly quite happy. Do you think he should be allowed to live as he is? Why?
  • What is considered to be “not normal” behaviour in our society? How does this compare with other societies and cultures? Investigate different rules and etiquette found in other countries.
  • What other stories, films, etc. can you think of where there is a mixture of reality and fantasy? Do you think this mix works well? Why (not)?
  • It could be argued that this film makes light of people with mental health issues? Do you agree with this? Or do you think the comedy is kind enough that it avoids this criticism?
  • This film was made for the 48 Hour Film Project and had to feature these elements: Genre - Fantasy / Fish out of water; Character - Dr McKenzie Menendez; Prop – Popcorn; Line of dialogue - "I love you". Devise and produce your own short film using these elements.
  • Make your own mockumentary about someone who believes they are something they are not.
  • Study the real film posters for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ films. Use the conventions to design a poster for this film in the same style. (You could also do this on a computer using screen shots.)

Clip Details

Genre: Comedy

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Colour, Sound, Live Action, Fiction

Clip Length: 05:52

Education Level: Third & Fourth Level