When Gordon Gekko stood on the podium in the film ‘Wall
Street’, he famously said that ‘greed was good’. He failed to mention greed
could also be dangerous. When there is money to be made, there are
usually dozens of people waiting in line for a slice of the pie. ‘Gold’
presents a good example. Loosely based on true events, its tale of
fortune and infamy is one that would have made Gekko smile. Money may not
buy happiness but it does buy trouble as ‘Gold’ shows.
Kenny Wells (Matthew McConaughey) is a troubled
businessman. Desperate to keep his family business afloat, Kenny looks to
any means to keep his head above water. Hearing about a gold mine in
Indonesia, he hooks up with gifted miner Mike Acosta (Edgar Ramirez).
Almost immediately striking it rich, Kenny thinks his troubles are finally
over. Unfortunately they are just the beginning as the fortune he
acquires brings out the vultures keen to grab his hard-earned windfall.
‘Gold’ is a deceptive film that creeps up on you. Like
most good movies, it takes it’s time to present its myriad of twists for a
final, delicious sting in the tale. Whilst it meanders occasionally and
has quirky moments that don’t fully fit into the narrative, ‘Gold’ rewards
viewers’ patience. Most of its success is due to McConaughey’s spirited
performance. Wells is a perennial desperate loser who will do anything to
grab riches. His ego and determination are both his strengths and
failings. You feel you know this person well in McConaughey’s talented
hands.
He is more than matched by Ramirez and Bryce Dallas Howard
playing Wells’ girlfriend. ‘Gold’s mix of comedy and drama doesn’t always
work but it makes a difference from usually dour essays on fortune making.
Wells’ interaction with bankers and other rich miscreants wanting his dough is
often amusing with the sharks in Wall Street scarier than many horror villains.
Although ‘Gold’ has a few structural script problems, it
never fails to capture attention. The cast are consistently good with the
pacing and direction firing on all cylinders. Greed may not be good but
it can be fun as ‘Gold’s cast of money miscreants show in fine style.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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