All the Money in the World (2017)
Ridley Scott
IS a great filmmaker. However, he only shows off his greatness when he's working with a screenplay worthy of his virtuoso filmmaking skills. Ever since the phenomenal one-two punch of
Alien and
Blade Runner, he flirts with brilliance, and often sinks into mediocrity. Give him a great script, he’ll make something like
Gladiator, give him a bad one, he’ll make
Alien: Covenant. Although in the latter case, even if the film isn’t good, Scott’s dynamic directorial style will always be the best thing about it, as at least we’ll be treated to a visual feast of his cinematic prowess.
All the Money in the World definitely falls into the former category, as it’s excellent stuff.
It is nothing short of amazing for the director to re-shoot all of disgraced Kevin Spacey’s scenes on such a tight schedule, replacing him with his actual first choice of actor for the role of John Paul Getty Sr - Christopher Plummer. Ridley Scott re-shot all of this footage from November 20th, for the release date of Christmas Day. It is testament to his immense talent and hard work that these scenes turned out as well as they did working under such pressure, and Plummer’s part is no small supporting role. The actor also gives a powerful performance that was actually worthy of the Oscar nomination. His portrayal of an extremely unlikable human being is compelling, which really sticks it to Spacey, and deservedly so. Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg are also great in an engrossing tale that is expertly told.
In addition, I can’t help thinking Scott was inspired by Euro cult poliziotteschi films here, possibly by the work of Umberto Lenzi, as the influences can be seen all throughout the Italy set part of the story. If you’re a fan of this 70’s action crime sub-genre, then this is the nearest you’re going to get to a modern mainstream revival.
Highly recommended.
**** out of *****