All the Money in the World

All the Money in the World is an inspiringly problematic film. It starts out like Le Dolce Vita and ends like Citizen Kane, but I can’t compare anything that happens in between with anything else. Though it contains a number of scenes that are reminiscent of a procedural thriller with detailed mapping of a certain working process as a classic dramatic structure that should draw viewers in and keep them in suspense with well-though-out dosing of information, the film is rather unsatisfying due to its muddled (especially with the constant jumping between various places, times and characters in the first half) and, at the same, very straightforward narrative, disjointed rhythm and cyclical yet somewhat monotonous structure with repetitive situations. ___ Paul's abduction is mainly a pretence for creating situations in which something that you normally wouldn’t buy with money (trust, attention, maternal love) is monetised, and for discussions about greed and a person’s worth. The tone and urgency of these scenes, which usually attempt to dialectically take into account the perspectives of both parties, change as the stakes rise and the probability of the son returning to his mother decreases. The theme of capitalism’s impact on interpersonal relationships is developed throughout the film, conceived here on a purely transactional level (it pays to invest in someone, but not in someone else). It isn’t so much about the relationships themselves or the development of the characters, most of whom (with the exception of the mother) are merely caricatures. At the same time, however, it’s not true that it isn’t about them at all, which would have paradoxically benefitted the film. ___ All the Money in the World is a dramatically strangely unbalanced work that with its structure draws our attention more to its creators’ arguments than to the characters and their suffering. I’m not sure if that was the intention, but I enjoyed the film as a cynical, non-moralising disputation on the power of money. 65% (26/01/2018)

In recent years, Ridley Scott's work has been heavily criticized for no longer producing films of the same quality as in the past, but I must disagree. Although his newer films may not reach the heights of Alien or Gladiator, they still boast above-average craftsmanship with no major issues in terms of craftsmanship. All the Money in the World fits this category. I believe the film received significant criticism mainly due to the reshoots with Plummer, but I actually consider that a brilliant choice. The role suited his age, and he infused his character, Getty, with brilliant acting attributes, making his screen appearances thoroughly enjoyable. Visually, the film is top-notch; I particularly liked the changing filters and shading, and I always appreciate a film that doesn't feel mundane. In terms of the story, there are notable positives, and the final cut didn't turn the film into a mess, which I consider a major plus. Although the first half of the film is more dialogue-driven, the second half picks up the pace, with the story gaining momentum and a few intense moments. I must also highlight the music. The only issue I had was that Wahlberg's character occasionally felt like a secondary player and didn’t always fit into the film, but his performance was still very well-executed. Plummer shone, and Williams as the mother did not disappoint either. I would have adjusted the ending as it doesn’t quite align with reality, but it’s still a very above-average film about a true event that few people know. I give it 78%. (29/01/2018)

I think Ridley Scott soured this movie for me from the start by replacing Kevin Spacey with Christopher Plummer. That alone made me hesitant to watch it at the time, even though Plummer delivers a solid performance. Eventually, I gave it a chance, and while the film has that classic epic Hollywood feel, it drags in places and feels unnecessarily long. Still, it's not a bad movie, and definitely not a waste of time. But the whole Me Too shadow is something it’ll never shake off, especially since Spacey was cleared of the charges. Hollywood really showed how ruthless it can be when money’s involved. (26/03/2021)

A retro story shot in a retro way. The tempo is therefore definitely slower than in other contemporary or newer films, and yet the story is interesting and the atmosphere suitably weighty. We can only imagine how Kevin Spacey would have acted (I looked forward to seeing him because I really like masks), and there is nothing left but to acknowledge or cheer over Christopher Plummer's performance. His Getty may not have gotten much space, but still he is so distinctive in every second that he is the most important character, whatever the intention of the creators was. Ridley Scott has still got it, and I consider this film almost full-blown compensation for The Counselor. (26/01/2018)

The great premise and the interesting potential in the storyline is exploited only halfway. Ridley Scott, of course, gives the viewer a refined vintage piece with gorgeous filters and lavish 1970s production design (Roma rulez) – he's always been a master of that, and even at his advanced age, he's not letting down his standards. There's no shortage of his creative trademarks either – e.g. what would a Scott flick be without a scene with falling snow? The pace is a bit weaker, sometimes unbalanced, and the plot jumps around and often omits important points that the viewer is forced to assume. But Ridley did hit the right balance with the bad guys. On the one hand, the menacing Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia (very hardcore), on the other the uncompromising and bankrupt billionaire Getty, played in the end by Christopher Plummer, who delivers a brilliant performance. Maybe it will mature with time, but at the moment the form and one good figure is not enough to make me happy. (25/03/2018)