Review of All the Money in the World (2017) by Matthew D — 10 Apr 2018

All the Money in the World is the most underrated movie of 2017.

Ridley Scott delivers yet another epic cinematic masterpiece to add to his illustrious filmography. All the Money in the World has been grossly overlooked by critics and audiences the world over. This film is an instant classic the likes we have not seen from Scott since Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and American Gangster.

I am so glad that Scott can direct on such a high level still. The cinematography on display within All the Money in the World is top tier and up there with Scott's most visceral and visual best. Scott recreates the Getty kidnapping with stunning results. The captive child must survive in squalor as the grandfather Getty lives it up in luxury. Scott harks back to imagery like Citizen Kane or Marie Antoinette. Long panning shots down Getty's mansion's hallways that look infinite juxtapose modest middle class housing of the mother's home. Scott utilizes all his skills to prove his directing prowess. We see the greed of Getty as every scene in which he refuses to pay his grandson's ransom, he is surrounded by a pantheon of invaluable riches. Scott displays vast wealth next to even deeper greed. Avarice is depicted in every frame with Getty.

Getty is portrayed by Christopher Plummer with such subtle class and cruelty. Plummer has gotten much praise for taking over Kevin Spacey's role very quickly with little time to prepare, but he should also be lavished in admiration for how he plays it so well. His cold demeanor to his family's plight is so horrifying. It would be unbelievable if we did not know that it really happened. Plummer plays a complex miser in his multi-faceted take on possessiveness of the greedy Getty. He was robbed at The Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for his impeccable role.

Michelle Williams delivers one of her best performances ever as the mother to the missing Getty child. She is a tour de force as a woman that wants her son back. She must take on corporate lawyers, a negligent husband, relentless paparazzi, doubtful police, useless CIA, and above all, the selfish billionaire Getty himself. Williams really conveys how brave and persistent Gail Getty had to be to endure all these detractors. It was her against the world. I am increasingly impressed by Williams' as an actress. She drives the movie forward full pace. You will empathize heavily with her plight.

I must mention the truly epic, classical score provided by Daniel Pemberton. The strings are massive and set the tone for each scene. Pemberton adds to the tense atmosphere in the most delicate moments. He creates suspense with a lavish style. I can still hear his Gothic symphony playing in my head. It's a really cool score for a film just as immense.

All the Money in the World is worth watching. I am glad I bought a copy on Blu-ray. It deserves a multiple viewings. You get to witness an absolutely shocking moment in history fleshed out in Getty's horrid covetousness. Ridley Scott has done it again!