Would Gollum have been better unanimated?

[Galendor]

Hi all, I'm a new member and this is my first post.

I found the animated portrayal of Gollum in the Jackson movies irritating and distracting. Does anyone agree? To me, the animated Gollum character didn't look "real" in comparison to the other hobbits, and he had an extremely nasal, whining voice. I often cringe when watching/hearing the exaggerated antics and sounds from this animated creation.

I propose that Gollum would have been better portrayed without animation, using movie makeup and costume. Of course, the same effects that made the other hobbits look small would have to be used on the Gollum actor as well (this was convincingly done, in my opinion). Using movie makeup and costume, the unanimated Gollum character could still appear as a small, shriveled, hairless, pale hobbit with sunken eyes and pointy teeth, wearing a loincloth. I think with the right actor, this would have allowed a better portrayal of Gollum, in a fashion more consistent with the other humanoid characters.

It isn't clear to me why Jackson chose to animate Gollumn. Was it necessary (I think not). Was it effective (I say no, animated Gollumn did not look or sound "real" like the other main characters). Perhaps Jackson created animated Gollumn for no better reason than an excuse to use expensive animation technology.

Best Regards, I'm only giving an opinion and do not wish to offend.