Money, Money, Money: Review of All The Money in the World

All the Money in the World

Director: Ridley Scott

By Alex Watson

Before it was even released, All the Money in the World was met with a storm of controversy. After the numerous sex misconduct scandals against original star Kevin Spacey- Ridley Scott chose to cut him from the final release completely. His scenes were quickly reshot for $7.5 million to make the December 22 release date. Veteran Christopher Plummer (ironically Scott's original choice) stepped in only weeks before the movie dropped. The gamble has worked tremendously and Plummer is outstanding as J.Paul Getty and his presence dominates throughout.

In Rome, 1973 teenager John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) is kidnapped by a radical group. They inform the boy's mother Gail Harris (Michelle Williams) that unless a ransom is paid, he will be killed. Lacking the funds she is forced to approach her wealthy former father-in-law J.Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer). Notorious for his penny pinching, Getty refuses to part with a dime and instead sends his negotiator Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) to secure his grandson's release.

As its title suggests All the Money in the World is a movie where money talks. A real-life Ebeneezer Scrooge, Getty's miser tendencies take centre stage. A man more content checking his stock ticker tape than negotiate his own grandson's release. He even has a phone box installed his lavish home where staff give change for its usage. Getty throughout finds a way to work this horrible scenario to both his financial and personal advantage. "To be a Getty is an extraordinary thing. Its like we're from another planet," says John Paul Getty III in voiceover and this couldn't be more accurate. When he is dumped into the van and taken away, Gail is thrust into every mother's worst nightmare. Family loyalty counts for nothing in this piece and the elder Getty is willing to let his own blood suffer than part with a penny.

Scott knows when to turn up the heat in this picture. The kidnapping of John Paul provides some unbearable tension. At first, his captors think this is a slam-dunk and the money will be quickly dispensed. But when days turn into months, their impatience grows more and more frightening. John Paul is being subjected to some horrific and life-changing violence all of which will have audience members looking away (particularly during the notable ear torture scene). This movie, however, feels weakest whenever Fletcher and Gail are on screen. It feels like it is trying to draw out a dramatic and engaging story but failing due to the lack of chemistry between leads. Part of the issue is that we are never sure what precisely Fletcher is supposed to be doing? We know he is ex-CIA and doesn't carry a gun because "It ruins the lining of your suit." Other than that we just know that he makes deals with people.  Character-wise he is only skin deep and is consigned to a mediocre role in events.

The plight of Gail Harris is what makes All the Money in the World so effective. A former Getty now removed, she finds herself on the outside looking in. Forced to try and make nice with the one man she despises, Gail is trying to remain strong in the face extreme adversity. She brings a strength and courage to this picture when it is badly needed. She knows the clock is always ticking and she is always attempting to make the money appear before her son is cut into small pieces. The side story of captor with a heart Cinquanda (Romain Duris) is also effective. Wanting to get rich quick but disgusted at the increasingly vile methods his comrades use to get money, Cinquanda is only potential ally John Paul has to get out.

A last minute replacement, Christopher Plummer was the perfect gamble as J.Paul Getty. Easily winning every scene he appears in, Plummer plays the old billionaire with such an ice cold chill. Although the cliche of him preferring objects to people is overstated, the film sags whenever the veteran Canadian is not onscreen. Already nominated for numerous awards, it's hard to imagine how Spacey could have better this turn. Michelle Williams is also impressive as the desperate Gail. Forced into a corner and "fighting an empire," Williams gives an honest portrayal of a mother who wants little else than her son back. Mark Wahlberg, unfortunately, is stuck in a meaningless part and Fletcher Chase requires little acting other than looking tough.

All the Money in the World is a picture which chillingly shows how sometimes, money comes second to those we love.