In 1973 John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) was kidnapped in Italy. His grandfather (Christopher Plummer) was the richest man in the world but refused to pay his ransom. Instead he hired fixer Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) to resolve the issue whilst his mother Gail (Michelle Williams) fought for his release.

Ridley Scott’s latest film is perhaps better known now for it being at the forefront of the Kevin Spacey scandal. The film had been finished before Spacey’s alleged improprieties surfaced and Scott decided to cut him entirely from the film and replace him with Christopher Plummer. The one part of the film that could be described as a complete success is that decision. Plummer’s performance is excellent and the scenes that are inserted fit seamlessly. Elsewhere the film is not so successful.

The overall tone feels very detached and it’s hard to be engaged by the kidnap plot. The Fletcher Chase character doesn’t seem to do anything, whilst Gail doesn’t seem as distraught or as determined as she should. There are even attempts to give one of the kidnappers a sympathetic relationship with his prisoner but it feels unearned and unlikely. Even the washed out muted colours of the image give the film an austere, distant tone. Everything seemingly reflects Getty Sr’s attitude and behaviour. Stylistically an interesting choice, but not one that makes for gripping viewing.

Given Plummer’s performance and the intriguing actions of Getty senior I would have preferred to see his character explored more.