Anthony Hayes has had smaller roles in iconic Australian films like Animal Kingdom, but his work as writer-director and co-star in Gold is a true Hollywood coming-out party. Paired with Zac Efron's lead performance, one thatsees him as committed as he has ever been, Gold works. The makeover Efron goes through is never over-the-top and always believable. The athletic nature of the filmmaking is at once warranted and logical given the bare-bones survival plot.One might think the desert setting would hold back cinematographer Ross Giardina (Carl’s Motel), but his use of the surroundings makes this feel like the best version of a film shot during the pandemic. Goldisn't a gut-punch,but it lulls tosleepbefore spearing with a jagged branch.
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Man One (Efron) needs a ride from Man Two (Hayes) to embark on an expedition into parts unknown. They aren’t even remotely friendly and the ride is purely based on business. Once they stop to rest for the night it becomes clear Man One is looking for gold and he will need Man Two to get it. After countless hours in the hot sun, Man One finds gold. A compromise is struck. Man Two will go into town to acquire the machine they need to excavate the gold, while Man One watches over the gold in case of thieves. As the days and hours go by, Man One begins to lose control of himself once his water and rations are depleted. The only question is what's more dangerous — the hyenas who circle his decaying body or his mind on the brink of insanity?
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The prosthetics on Efron are a perfect fit for the film. Actors routinely go through monumental changes to take on a role. Many times it is that exact fact that makesaudiences feel them trying too hard and it ultimately distracts from the performance. In the case of Gold, a choice is made to go with a total transformation, but in the most believable way. Efron’s skin is boiled rotten, not because it would look cool, but because he has sun poison. The makeup department didn't seek to make an ugly Efron or even an unrecognizable one. What they went for was weathered by post-apocalyptic circumstances and they succeeded.
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Goldshares a lot of DNA with The Rover, another indie Australian, post-apocalyptic two-hander where the younger man is at the older man’s mercy. Robert Pattinson (The Batman) barely speaks in the film and The Rover is still a critical moment in his post-Twilight resurgence. The same can be said of Efron, and not only because of the identical plots and roots in teen culture. This is the performance that solidifies that Efron is capable of real drama. Though his turn as Ted Bundy drewmore attention, Gold sees the former teen idol not only act, but be the best part of a film withonly four characters (the other three of whom are excellent as well). The fear in Efron's eyes from start to finish is both consistent and engaging.
Anthony Hayes did wonders for the film, and with very little cinematic extravagance. His presence in Goldis not as pertinent as Efron’s, but he makes the most of every scene. As the resident know-it-all,the audience hasto trust him sincethere is verylittle that is known about this universe. But as an actor, Hayes keeps a spark in his eye that will continually confuse audiences in the best way. As a writer-director, he is just as savvy. The world of Gold seems fully formed and simultaneously a total mystery.
The entire cast and crew of Gold is on the same page and the movie really clicks onceviewers find out how alone they are in it. Though minimalist indie post-apocalyptic films are becoming a sub-genre of their own, Gold is just a good movie. No caveats. Hayes’ vision is exquisite and Efron is on a higher plane of acting. Gold is mysterious, haunting, and exhilarating, a minor miracle given only four people speak and the entire film takes place in a desert.
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7/10
Gold
Based on true events, Gold is a 2016 adventure drama directed by Stephen Gaghan. The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Kenny Wells, a prospector who partners with geologist Michael Acosta (Édgar Ramírez) to find gold in the Indonesian jungle.
