Hamilton recently announced that the next visitor in the Great Names Speaker Series will be Matthew McConaughey on April 18 in the Field House. Like many students, I found myself starstruck at the thought of being in the same room as A-List celebrity Matthew McConaughey. As finals approach and we all desperately search for ways to study without studying, here are a few ways you can “study” for McConaughey’s upcoming visit:

1. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days is arguably one of the most iconic romantic comedies of our time, from Kate Hudson’s iconic backless yellow dress to the performance of the song “You’re So Vain” that recently made

a resurgence on TikTok. This movie follows two ambitious New Yorkers who are willing to risk anything for their jobs, even matters of the heart. Hilarious in its absurdity and yet endearing in Hudson’s and McConaughey’s delivery and chemistry, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a must-watch.

2. Romantic comedies aren’t for you?

Don’t worry, McConaughey has something for everyone, even the WallStreet wannabes. The Wolf of Wall Street follows the debaucherous life of Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker who lived a life of wealth, corruption and drugs. The infamous scene between Leonardo DiCaprio and McConaughey when they thump their chests and hum, as a sort of

war cry for these financial elites, was actually improvised by McConaughey during filming. He later revealed that this is actually an acting warm-up technique that he practices prior to shooting, but felt that it fit with his character. This film, although three hours long and explicit in more ways than one, has become acultural cornerstone of modern cinema, and is definitely worth the watch.

3. So maybe romantic comedies are for you, but you’ve already seen How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The lesser-known adventure-romance Fool’s Gold once again stars dynamic duo Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, bringing their natural on-screen chemistry to this treasure hunt. The movie follows an on-the-rocks couple in the pursuit of treasure, quickly devolving into adventure and relationship chaos. This movie was loosely based on a true story of Mel Fisher’s search for sunken treasure. Fool’s Gold is perfect for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days who are looking for something similar, or for those who prefer their romantic comedies to also be action packed.

4. In order to capture McConaughey’s range as an actor, Dallas Buyers Club is a must. His Oscar winning performance in Dallas portrays the life of AIDS patient Ron Woodruff in the 1980s. This emotionally raw film exposes government hypocrisy in their approach to HIV and AIDS policies, leaning heavily on McConaughey’s emotional range as an actor. He also had to lose over 50 pounds for the role. In an interview, McConaughey said “Ron was an American original, He shook a tree. He made a noise. I said, ‘I want to get this made, get Ron’s story told.’” This moving portrayal of a dark period in American history is a phenomenal movie and important story that needed to be told, and marks one of the most important triumphs of McConaughey’s career.

5. McConaughey’s activism does not just pertain to stories he tells on the screen; he also co-founded the just keep livin Foundation with his wife, a nonprofit committed to helping young high school students make healthy life choices. Operating in over 16 cities for over 3,000 students, the name “just keep livin” comes from McConaughey’s life motto following the passing of his father. Despite McConaughey’s impact on society from his

iconic roles, his commitment to philanthropy is a lesser-known passion. Learning about—and possibly contributing to — these initiatives is a great way to orient this Oscar-winner within the realm of the real world.

6. Movies aren’t the only thing that students can immerse themselves in prior to McConaughey’s arrival. His 2020 book Greenlights contains life stories and lessons, all told with a deeply witty voice and compelling sense of introspection. This book is not only refreshingly honest, but it highlights the underbelly of McConaughey’s life from childhood up to present day, humanizing this cultural icon into just someone else doing their best. Additionally, McConaughey narrates his own book on Audible, and his storytelling abilities shine through this personalized rendi-

tion of his book.

7. If you (like most of us) are in the business of finding new ways to relax, McConaughey reads several meditation scripts for the Calm app. From breathing exercises, mood evaluations and guided meditations, this app offers one way to take a break from the busy holiday (and finals) season. McConaughey’s soothing southern charm translates perfectly through his meditation recordings, offering yet another avenue to prepare for his

spring visit to the Hill.

8. In a similar vein of relaxation, if you’re in the mood for something with lower stakes, the animated movies Sing and Sing2 feature Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, a koala with dreams of being famous. These lighthearted family films are a great way to watch some of McConaughey’s work in a feel-good atmosphere. Additionally, Sing

2 features his daughter Vida at just eleven years old. Her character is a piglet scuba diving in chocolate. This endearing family-filled project is sure to warm hearts and entertain just the same.

9. However, if wholesome is not your vibe, there’s always Magic Mike. This 2012 blockbuster follows a group of male strippers, with actors like Channing Tatum, Matt Bomber, and of course, Matthew McConaughey. This movie is partly inspired by Channing Tatum’s real life. Although not the main character, McConaughey’s performance as the cowboy stripper is definitely one of his most well known costumes.

10. And lastly, if impending adulthood makes you nostalgic for high school shenanigans, or if you’re simply interested in McConaughey’s breakthrough role, Dazed and Confused follows high schoolers on the last day of school in 1976. This 1993 coming of age film includes the iconic line “Alright alright alright” that McConaughey is asked to repeat on interviews and by fans to this day. If you follow these ten steps, you’ll be

sure to be prepared for McConaughey’s visit

this spring!