All the Money in the World is a crime, drama thriller directed by Ridley Scott starring Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg, Charlie Plummer, Romain Duris and Christopher Plummer. It is based on the true events of the abduction of billionaire oil tycoon J. Paul Getty’s grandson, John Paul Getty III in Rome, 1973.
John Paul Getty III preferably known as Paul or Paolo played by Charlie Plummer, is kidnapped and held at ransom to the tune of $17 million dollars. Despite Paul having a rich grandfather, J. Paul Getty played by Christopher Plummer does not want to pay the ransom and believes this will only encourage people to kidnap his other grandchildren for money.
The film follows Paul’s mother, Abigail Harris played by Michelle Williams and Getty’s advisor and former CIA operative Fletcher Chase played by Mark Whalberg, as they try to gather funds and handle the hostage situation together with the authorities. I felt very frustrated for Williams’ character, Gail and was shocked more and more as the story unfolded. While Williams and Whalberg both equally provide solid performances, the stand out performances for me were by Romain Duris and Christopher Plummer.
Romain Duris plays Cinquanta, one of the kidnappers in the film. I thoroughly enjoyed Cinquanta’s character development, at first appearing as the major villain holding the reigns behind the negotiations, who slowly turns into a messenger with the people around him crossing a moral line that he does not wish to follow.
Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty is incredible. I’ve always enjoyed Christopher Plummer‘s acting and have liked him ever since I saw him as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. I understand that scenes in All the Money in the World had to be re-shot with Plummer replacing Kevin Spacey, and I’m in awe that despite all this, Plummer still manages provides a magnetic scene-stealing performance. I can’t imagine anyone else in this role. Despite Getty’s stance on not paying the ransom, I did not see Plummer’s character as the villain, but more so as the stubborn fool with his values and priorities all wrong. Plummer hones his talents and manages to make an otherwise financially powerful selfish character appear lonely, lost, sensitive and somewhat pitiable.
It’s sad that such a brilliant film has been savaged by controversy, but don’t let the noise deter you from viewing All the Money in the World and experiencing incredible performances by the cast, but especially by Christopher Plummer. While the film is long, it doesn’t feel like it. I gasped, reacted often and was on the edge of my seat throughout most of the movie. I really hope Plummer wins awards for his role as he surely is deserving. I for one thoroughly enjoyed All the Money in the World and this is certainly one thriller I’ll never forget.