George Jones invites an up-and-coming country music superstar out on the town in Nashville the night before George is to be cryogenically frozen in 1994.
“Country Gold” exists in one universe, specifically the microcosm of old and young country music superstars circa 1994, before abruptly drifting into several others. It’s the kind of film you’ll watch with your mouth agape, as I did, though the ends of your lips will permanently be curled upwards, your eyes bulging – “Did that just happen?” Yes, that happened, and you’re generally pleased with the results. “Country Gold” is the third film in a row from writer/director/star Mickey Reece to premiere at Fantasia – following “Agnes” and “Climate of the Hunter.” Each film couldn’t be more different from the last, and he’s been a reliable and unique presence since his debut.
Troyal Brooks (Reece) is a rising country star in the early ’90s, though he’s insecure about his newfound fame. After praising country legend George Jones (Ben Hall), he’s asked to meet him in Nashville for a discussion. After arriving, Jones informs him that he intends to be cryogenically frozen the following day and has chosen to spend his last night on earth with Brooks. There’s some debauchery, though not the degree you might expect, nor is it deeply introspective. Instead, “Country Gold” spins an entertaining if all-too-brief alternate history for Jones – including his time as an undercover Fed. Respectful though it may be, Reece pokes plenty of fun at the country music scene. He’s nakedly a stand-in for Garth Brooks, right down to a Chris Gaines-esque temptation. Jones, while not an accurate portrayal nor intended to be, at least lives up to his reputation as a hard-drinking country boy (though the actual singer died sober in 2013).
Not all of Reece’s diversions work, however. They sometimes feel apropos of nothing, such as a brief digression on the leadership qualities it takes to lead the Starship Enterprise. Others feel more pointed to recent events, such as how insulting it is to order a well-done steak at a restaurant. More importantly, they’re both wonderfully written. There are some memorably funny asides, such as when a tourist in a bar delights, “This is where the country stars come to write their drinking songs!”
As talented as Reece is as a writer/director, it’s challenging to know what to make of him as an actor. The performance isn’t meant to be all that sincere, but even in “Gold” ’s more Lynchian moments, it’s too low-energy. He sometimes comes off as a lightweight Danny McBride, particularly when exasperated. He’s certainly no match for Hall, whose sullen-eyed, hang-dog Jones is note-perfect. “Country Gold” is far from a perfect rumination on regret, fame, and coming to terms with ourselves, but it shouldn’t be. It’s a personal one.
“Country Gold” recently had its World Premiere at the 2022 Fantasia International Film Festival
