Gollum’s Eyes Reveal More Than You Think — Peter Jackson’s Hidden Trick in 'Lord of the Rings'
It turns out the secret to understanding Gollum isn’t just in his voice.
Gollum is one of the most iconic figures in The Lord of the Rings, famous for his split personality — the sinister Gollum and the fragile Smeagol. I was intrigued to discover a detail that most people overlook — you can actually read who he is in any given moment just by looking into his eyes.
The Inner Battle
Gollum’s story is more than a fantasy tale about corruption. It’s a tragedy of loneliness, guilt, and the loss of one’s very self.
Once, Sméagol was just an ordinary hobbit. But the Ring twisted him beyond recognition. He hid from the light, from the world, from himself — until he finally became Gollum.
Yet when Frodo began calling him by his true name, a flicker of hope returned. The real drama lies in this battle of identities: Sméagol versus Gollum. And Peter Jackson left us a subtle clue as to which side is winning.
The Eyes Say Everything
Jackson used Gollum’s pupils as a visual cue. When the darker Gollum takes over, his pupils shrink, sharp and cold. When Sméagol surfaces, they dilate, softer and more trusting.
It’s not just a neat trick — it’s an emotional beacon. In every scene of inner conflict, you can literally tell by the eyes who’s in control: the monster or the broken, frightened soul.
