McConaughey's Golden Gamble: The Shocking True Story Behind His Wildest Role Yet!
Gold, released in 2017, stars Matthew McConaughey as Kenny Wells, a struggling prospector searching for his big break. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, the film is loosely based on the real-life Bre-X mining scandal from 1997. McConaughey delivers a transformative performance as Wells, a down-on-his-luck businessman who risks everything on a hunch about gold in the Indonesian jungle.
The movie follows Wells as he teams up with geologist Michael Acosta (Edgar Ramírez) to pursue his dreams of striking it rich. Their journey takes them from Reno, Nevada to the remote jungles of Indonesia, where they face numerous challenges in their quest for gold. McConaughey's portrayal of Wells showcases his versatility as an actor, with the star undergoing a physical transformation for the role.
While Gold received mixed reviews from critics, it offers an intriguing look at the high-stakes world of precious metal prospecting. The film explores themes of ambition, greed, and the American dream, set against the backdrop of the 1980s mining industry. McConaughey's committed performance and the story's basis in true events make Gold a noteworthy entry in the actor's filmography.
Plot Overview
Gold, released in 2017, stars Matthew McConaughey as Kenny Wells, a struggling businessman and prospector. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Wells' desperate attempt to strike it rich.
Down on his luck, Wells teams up with a geologist played by Édgar Ramírez. Together, they embark on a bold venture to find gold in the remote jungles of Indonesia.
The pair face numerous challenges as they navigate treacherous terrain and harsh conditions. Their perseverance pays off when they seemingly discover a massive gold deposit.
News of their find sparks a frenzy of investment and media attention. Wells quickly rises from obscurity to become a celebrated figure in the mining world.
However, their newfound success is not without complications. As the stakes grow higher, Wells must confront questions about the true nature of their discovery.
The film blends elements of drama and adventure, drawing loosely from true events in the mining industry. It explores themes of ambition, greed, and the allure of striking it rich.
McConaughey's portrayal of Wells captures the character's determination and flaws. His performance anchors the story as it unfolds across continents and through unexpected twists.
Cast and Characters
The 2017 film "Gold" features an ensemble cast of talented actors portraying complex characters in a story of ambition and deception. Led by Matthew McConaughey, the cast brings depth and nuance to their roles as they navigate the high-stakes world of gold prospecting.
Matthew McConaughey as Kenny Wells
Matthew McConaughey transforms himself to play Kenny Wells, a down-on-his-luck prospector searching for his big break. McConaughey's performance captures Wells' desperation and unwavering belief in striking it rich. He sheds his typical Hollywood persona, sporting a receding hairline and potbelly to embody the struggling businessman.
McConaughey's portrayal earned praise for its intensity and commitment to the character's flaws. He brings Wells to life as a man driven by dreams of success, willing to risk everything on a hunch. The actor's trademark charisma shines through, even as he depicts Wells' less savory traits.
Edgar Ramirez as the Geologist
Edgar Ramirez plays Michael Acosta, a brilliant geologist who partners with Wells on their ambitious gold-finding venture. Ramirez brings a quiet intensity to the role, portraying Acosta as a man of few words but great expertise. His chemistry with McConaughey forms the backbone of the film's central relationship.
Ramirez's performance balances Acosta's scientific knowledge with an air of mystery. He keeps audiences guessing about his true motivations throughout the story. The actor's subtle expressions and measured delivery add layers to this enigmatic character.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard takes on the role of Kay, Kenny Wells' longtime girlfriend and supporter. Howard portrays Kay with warmth and strength, showing her unwavering faith in Wells despite his many setbacks. Her performance highlights the emotional toll of Wells' obsessive pursuit of gold.
Howard brings depth to Kay, depicting her as more than just a supportive partner. She conveys Kay's own dreams and frustrations, adding complexity to the character's relationship with Wells. Her scenes with McConaughey showcase the tender moments amidst the chaos of their tumultuous lives.
Corey Stoll
Corey Stoll appears as Brian Woolf, a Wall Street banker who becomes involved in Wells and Acosta's gold venture. Stoll's portrayal captures the slick confidence of a seasoned investment professional. He brings an air of authority to his scenes, representing the established financial world that Wells is trying to break into.
Stoll's performance highlights the tension between Wall Street's cautious approach and Wells' risk-taking spirit. His character serves as both an ally and a potential threat to the protagonists' ambitions.
Toby Kebbell
Toby Kebbell plays FBI Agent Paul Jennings, who investigates the legitimacy of Wells and Acosta's gold find. Kebbell brings a sharp, no-nonsense attitude to the role. His scenes add an element of suspense as the law closes in on the central characters.
Kebbell's portrayal of Jennings is that of a determined investigator, slowly piecing together the truth. He serves as a counterpoint to Wells' charisma, representing the cold facts that threaten to unravel the gold scheme.
Bruce Greenwood
Bruce Greenwood takes on the role of Mark Hancock, a powerful mining company executive. Greenwood's performance exudes authority and calculation. He brings gravitas to his scenes, portraying Hancock as a formidable opponent in the high-stakes world of mineral rights and corporate takeovers.
Greenwood's subtle acting choices hint at Hancock's hidden motives and ruthless business tactics. His character represents the established powers that Wells must contend with in his quest for success.
Stacy Keach
Stacy Keach portrays Clive Coleman, Kenny's father-in-law and a seasoned prospector. Keach brings a weathered wisdom to the role, representing the old guard of the mining world. His performance adds depth to Wells' backstory and motivation.
Keach's scenes with McConaughey highlight the generational divide in approaches to prospecting. He embodies the traditional methods that Wells both respects and seeks to surpass in his ambitious venture.
Production Details
Gold was directed by Stephen Gaghan and written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman. The film was shot in various locations, including New Mexico and Thailand, with principal photography beginning in 2015.
Direction by Stephen Gaghan
Stephen Gaghan, known for his work on Traffic and Syriana, took the helm as director for Gold. Gaghan's experience with complex narratives and character-driven stories made him a fitting choice for this ambitious project. His direction aimed to bring authenticity to the tale of Kenny Wells' pursuit of gold in the Indonesian jungle.
Gaghan worked closely with Matthew McConaughey to develop the character of Kenny Wells, ensuring a nuanced performance that captured the protagonist's desperation and ambition. The director's approach emphasized the gritty realism of the gold mining industry and the high-stakes world of mineral exploration.
Screenplay and Writing
Patrick Massett and John Zinman penned the screenplay for Gold. Their script drew loose inspiration from the real-life Bre-X mining scandal of 1997. The writers crafted a narrative that blended elements of adventure, drama, and crime.
The screenplay underwent several revisions to fine-tune the story and characters. Paul Haggis, an acclaimed screenwriter, also contributed to early drafts of the script. Massett and Zinman's final version focused on the themes of greed, ambition, and the American Dream.
Their writing aimed to create complex, multi-dimensional characters and a plot that kept audiences guessing until the end.
Filming Locations
Gold's production spanned multiple locations to capture the diverse settings of the story. The primary filming took place in Thailand, which stood in for the Indonesian jungle where much of the movie's action unfolds.
Key scenes were shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which doubled for Kenny Wells' hometown of Reno, Nevada. The production team transformed parts of Albuquerque to resemble 1980s Reno, complete with period-accurate storefronts and vehicles.
Additional filming occurred in New York City for scenes set in the world of high finance and Wall Street. The varied locations helped create a visual contrast between Wells' humble beginnings and the opulent world he aspires to join.
Principal Photography
Principal photography for Gold began on June 29, 2015. The shoot lasted approximately two months, wrapping in early September of the same year. The production faced challenges filming in the humid Thai jungle, with the cast and crew working in difficult conditions to achieve authenticity.
Matthew McConaughey underwent a physical transformation for his role, gaining 47 pounds to portray Kenny Wells. This commitment to the character was evident throughout the filming process.
The production involved elaborate set designs, particularly for the mining scenes in the jungle. Cinematographer Robert Elswit, known for his work on There Will Be Blood, captured the gritty atmosphere of the gold mining world.
Release and Distribution
Gold premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 13, 2017. The film had a limited release in the United States on December 30, 2016, before expanding to a wide release on January 27, 2017.
Release Date
Gold initially had a limited release in the United States on December 30, 2016. This strategic move allowed the film to qualify for the 89th Academy Awards. The wide release followed on January 27, 2017, when the movie became available to audiences across the country.
Box Office Performance
The film's box office performance was disappointing. Gold grossed $7.2 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $7.6 million in other territories. The total worldwide box office earnings were $14.8 million. This fell significantly short of the film's production budget, which was estimated at $30 million.
Theatrical Release
Gold was distributed by The Weinstein Company in the United States. The film opened in 2,166 theaters for its wide release. Despite the star power of Matthew McConaughey, the movie failed to attract a large audience. It faced stiff competition from other releases and received mixed reviews from critics, which likely contributed to its poor performance at the box office.
Home Media
The home media release for Gold occurred on May 2, 2017. Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company released the film on DVD and Blu-ray. The home release included bonus features such as deleted scenes and a making-of featurette. Following its physical media release, Gold became available on various streaming platforms, allowing viewers to rent or purchase the film digitally.
Critical Reception
Gold received mixed reviews from critics and audiences upon its release in 2017. Critics praised Matthew McConaughey's performance but found fault with the film's pacing and storytelling.
Film Critics Reviews
Many reviewers highlighted Matthew McConaughey's committed portrayal of Kenny Wells. Critics lauded his physical transformation and energetic performance as the desperate prospector. However, the film itself garnered less praise. Some felt the story lacked focus and failed to fully explore its themes of greed and capitalism. The direction by Stephen Gaghan was criticized for uneven pacing and an inability to maintain tension throughout the runtime.
Several critics noted that while Gold touched on interesting ideas about the American dream and the allure of wealth, it didn't delve deeply enough into these concepts. The supporting cast, including Edgar Ramirez and Bryce Dallas Howard, received positive mentions but were seen as underutilized.
Audience Reception
Viewers had mixed reactions to Gold. Some appreciated McConaughey's performance and found the rags-to-riches story engaging. Others felt the film dragged and lacked the excitement expected from a tale of striking it rich.
The movie's exploration of greed and the pursuit of wealth resonated with some audience members. However, others found the characters difficult to relate to or root for. The complex financial dealings and mining industry specifics in the plot left some viewers confused or disengaged.
Word-of-mouth reactions were varied, with some praising the film's ambition and others finding it forgettable. The true story elements intrigued many, but some felt the adaptation could have been more compelling.
Rotten Tomatoes Score
Gold holds a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 173 reviews. The critics consensus reads: "Gold boasts an impressively committed performance from Matthew McConaughey, but it's just one glittering nugget in an otherwise uneven heap of cinematic silt."
The audience score sits slightly higher at 49%. This disparity reflects the mixed audience reception, with some viewers more forgiving of the film's flaws than professional critics. The low scores prevented Gold from achieving critical or commercial success, despite its star power and intriguing premise.
Themes and Interpretations
Gold explores the human drive for wealth and success against a backdrop of high-stakes mining and finance. The film delves into complex motivations and consequences.
The Allure of Greed
Kenny Wells embodies the relentless pursuit of riches. His desperation for a big score leads him to risk everything on a long-shot gold prospect. The film shows how greed can consume a person, blinding them to ethics and relationships.
Wells' transformation as his fortunes change reveals greed's corrupting influence. His extravagant spending and inflated ego mirror the excesses of Wall Street culture.
The movie questions whether striking it rich truly brings fulfillment. Wells achieves his wildest dreams but struggles to find happiness or peace.
Economic Drama on Wall Street
Gold depicts the ruthless world of finance and investing. Wells' discovery sets off a feeding frenzy as banks and traders scramble to capitalize on the find.
The film showcases how market speculation can inflate valuations to unsustainable levels. Hype and greed fuel a gold rush mentality among investors.
Wall Street's reaction highlights how removed financial markets can be from physical realities. Traders fixate on stock prices while ignoring the challenges of actual mining operations.
The Harsh Realities of Mining
The movie contrasts Wall Street's clean offices with the gritty work of prospecting. Scenes in the Indonesian jungle show the physical toll of searching for gold.
Gold mining is portrayed as a gamble with long odds. Wells and Acosta face disease, dangerous terrain, and unreliable equipment in their quest.
The film touches on mining's environmental and social impacts. Local workers are shown laboring in difficult conditions while outsiders reap the profits.
Cultural Impact
"Gold" starring Matthew McConaughey made waves in the film industry upon its 2017 release. The movie's depiction of the 1990s gold mining boom sparked renewed interest in prospecting stories.
McConaughey's physical transformation for the role garnered significant attention. His dramatic weight gain and balding appearance became a major talking point in entertainment media.
The film's exploration of greed and the American Dream resonated with audiences. It prompted discussions about capitalism and the pursuit of wealth in modern society.
"Gold" also highlighted the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding mining operations. This aspect of the story raised awareness about the real-world impacts of resource extraction.
The movie's portrayal of the Bre-X mining scandal brought renewed attention to this historical event. It served as a cautionary tale about investment fraud and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
While not a box office blockbuster, "Gold" left its mark on popular culture. It reinforced Matthew McConaughey's reputation for taking on challenging, transformative roles in serious dramas.
Technical Aspects
The technical elements of "Gold" contribute significantly to the film's gritty atmosphere and visual storytelling. Careful attention to cinematography, music, and editing helps bring the story to life.
Cinematography
Robert Elswit, known for his work on "There Will Be Blood," served as the cinematographer for "Gold." He employed a variety of techniques to capture the contrasting environments of Nevada and Indonesia. Handheld camera work adds a sense of urgency to Kenny Wells' frantic quest for fortune.
In the jungle scenes, Elswit uses lush, vibrant greens to emphasize the untamed nature of the landscape. This contrasts sharply with the muted, washed-out tones of the Nevada desert and dingy office interiors.
Low-angle shots emphasize McConaughey's physical transformation, highlighting his paunch and receding hairline. These visual cues reinforce Kenny's desperate circumstances and add authenticity to the character.
Music and Soundtrack
Daniel Pemberton composed the original score for "Gold." His music blends electronic elements with orchestral arrangements to create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere. The soundtrack features a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks from the 1980s.
Pemberton's score incorporates indigenous Indonesian instruments, adding cultural flavor to the jungle exploration scenes. In contrast, synth-heavy tracks underscore the film's 1980s setting during Nevada sequences.
Notable licensed songs include "This Must Be the Place" by Talking Heads and "Spybreak!" by The Propellerheads. These tracks help establish the time period and enhance key emotional moments in the story.
Editing and Post-Production
Douglas Crise, known for his work on "Birdman," edited "Gold." His approach emphasizes the frenetic pace of Kenny's gold-hunting journey. Quick cuts between scenes maintain tension and reflect the protagonist's increasingly manic state of mind.
Color grading plays a crucial role in differentiating the film's varied locations. Indonesian scenes feature rich, saturated hues, while Nevada sequences have a bleached, sun-baked quality. This visual contrast helps orient viewers as the story jumps between settings.
Sound design enhances the film's immersive quality. The cacophony of jungle noises and the oppressive hum of air conditioning in stuffy offices contribute to the overall atmosphere. These audio elements complement the visual storytelling and heighten the audience's sensory experience.
