After playing a Koala in his latest outing (Sing), Oscar award winner Matthew McConaughey is back to serious character acting - at least I think that's what meant by the unattractive wigs and prominent paunch.
With another Oscar winner at the helm, director Stephen Gaghan, Gold tells the true story of Texan prospector Kenny Wells (McConaughey). Down to his last dollar in the 1980s, Wells travels to Indonesia where he teams up with equally eager geologist Michael Acosta (Edgar Ramirez) and hits the jackpot; gold.
Narrated by McConaughey's character in a confessional tone, the reality, of course, isn't quite that simple. It's a tale of determination and dreams, a fable about capitalist greed, a rags-to-riches story that's occasionally political, romantic, and even a buddy film. It's a terrific story but not a well-written one, and despite how hard everyone tries Gold never has you edging forward in your seat.
Depending on how you rate McConaughey you'll view his performance as either "committed" to his character, or plain overacting. Kenny Wells is a tricky character, and though McConaughey plays him as a lovable rogue he's doesn't even get to likeable. Possessing a childlike enthusiasm and a sleazy salesman's demeanour, Wells claims to have little interest in money, but his ego is just as destructive.
