Plummer’s repair job is right on the money

The craziest thing about this movie is that you might actually start to feel something other than revulsion for the old miser. Despite his penny-pinching meanness and emotionless business acumen, there is a certain humanity to Plummer’s portrayal, making sure Getty is not just some simple monster, but a complex character who will evoke some complex feelings from the viewer.

Even as he says he cannot afford the ransom, he continues acquiring priceless artworks and buying property. And while there is no doubt the guy is a deeply flawed individual, you might come to feel that “evil” really isn’t the right word.

In fact, he kinda makes a lot of sense at times. He insists that paying the ransom will only mean his other 13 grandchildren will become kidnapping targets, and he is most likely right. And this “don’t give them what they want” philosophy is actually fairly consistent with a lot of hostage negotiations.

But for some reason we feel this principle should be suspended when it is our own loved ones in danger. Is this hypocrisy? Is it nepotism? Is it a betrayal of a sound principle? Is it simply love?

The film asks all these questions without ever needing to be overt about asking them, making it a very organic way of exploring the ideas.

And Williams plays the perfect foil to the cold, calculating Getty, with her traumatised and terrified portrayal of Paul’s mum, Gail, who has been cut out of the family fortune and cannot afford to pay the ransom herself, even though people assume she must be rich.

Despite being barely old enough to be Charlie Plummer’s mother in real life, Williams gives an outstanding performance as the distraught mum, the emotional heart of the story and the one person who actually manages to play Getty at his own game.

Mark Wahlberg is also great in the supporting role of Fletcher Chase, a former CIA operative who now works as Getty’s fix-it guy, and who becomes instrumental in the fight to get Paul home again (as cheaply as possible).

The film builds a solid level of tension and foreboding, and with the addition of a couple of false finishes to keep you guessing it is quite the exciting thriller.

(MA15+) is now showing at Village Cinema Eastlands, State Cinema and Cmax, rated MA15 Rating: