Papa Gold is a 2011 German drama film directed by Tom Lass and based on the short story "The Last Gold of Expired Stars" by author Wolf Haas. The film stars Peter Trabner as the titular character, Paul Gold, a failed musician who finds himself struggling with addiction and depression following the collapse of his marriage. The story follows Gold as he navigates his way through life, playing gigs at seedy bars and lounges while trying to keep his head above water financially. His young son, Max (played by Tom Lass), comes to visit him occasionally, but their relationship is strained due to Gold's personal issues.
As the film progresses, Gold becomes increasingly desperate to turn his life around. He meets a woman named Anja (Daniela Blaschke), who works as a nurse at a local hospital, and the two begin a tentative romance. Meanwhile, Gold's relationship with his son continues to deteriorate, and he is faced with the prospect of losing custody.
The film is steeped in the gritty realism of everyday life, highlighting the struggles of working-class individuals in Germany. The script, written by Tom Lass and co-writer and producer Ines Schiller, is a stark and honest portrayal of the human condition, exploring themes such as addiction, depression, and the difficulties of parenthood.
Peter Trabner gives a standout performance as Gold, imbuing the character with a deep sense of vulnerability and pathos. He is supported by a strong cast, including Tom Lass, who brings a youthful energy and wit to his portrayal of Max. Daniela Blaschke is also excellent as Anja, portraying the character with a quiet intelligence and strength.
The film's cinematography, by Matthias Bolliger, is both raw and beautiful, capturing the gritty reality of Gold's life while also finding moments of grace and beauty in unexpected places. The soundtrack, by Lass and his brother, Mira, is haunting and evocative, perfectly complementing the film's emotional tone.
Overall, Papa Gold is a poignant and moving film that explores the human condition with honesty and depth. It is a testament to the power of cinema to delve into the complexities of the human experience and to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
Papa Gold is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.
