Is All the Money in the World a True Story? Ending Explained and Plot
by Swetha P
Updated May 22, 2023
All the Money in the World
"All the Money in the World" is a gripping biographical crime thriller directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa. Released in 2017, the film is based on John Pearson's book "Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty," which explores the real-life events surrounding the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. The story focuses on the refusal of his billionaire grandfather, J. Paul Getty, to cooperate with the kidnappers' demands.
Starring Michelle Williams as John Paul Getty III's mother, Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty, and Mark Wahlberg as a Getty family adviser, the movie delves into the intense negotiations and struggles faced by the family. Notably, Kevin Spacey initially played the role of J. Paul Getty, but after sexual misconduct allegations against him, Ridley Scott made the bold decision to replace him with Christopher Plummer. Within a month of the film's scheduled release, Plummer reshot all of Spacey's scenes in just eight days.
The film premiered in December 2017 to positive reviews, with particular praise directed towards the performances. It grossed $57 million worldwide, exceeding its $50 million budget. Christopher Plummer's portrayal of J. Paul Getty earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The production of "All the Money in the World" sparked discussions on gender pay disparity in Hollywood when it was revealed that Mark Wahlberg was paid significantly more than Michelle Williams for the reshoots.
Is All the Money in the World a True Story
People are curious to know Is All the Money in the World Based on a True Story? Yes, All the Money in the World is based on a true story. It Released in December 2017, "All the Money in the World" is a film that narrates the true story of the 1973 abduction of John Paul Getty III, the grandson of wealthy oil magnate J. Paul Getty.
The kidnappers demanded a staggering $17 million ransom, but J. Paul Getty, known for his frugality, staunchly refused to pay such a substantial amount for his grandson's release. The tense negotiations continued for months, during which time the kidnappers resorted to brutal tactics, cutting off Getty III's ear and sending it to a newspaper. Eventually, Getty reluctantly agreed to pay $3.2 million.
The movie stars Michelle Williams as the mother of John Paul Getty III, Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty, and Mark Wahlberg as a former CIA agent hired by Getty to aid in the ransom negotiations. Based on John Pearson's book "Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty," the film stays mostly faithful to the actual events while taking some creative liberties.
Upon its release, "All the Money in the World" garnered positive reviews from critics, who applauded the performances delivered by Williams, Plummer, and Wahlberg. It also achieved commercial success, grossing more than $159 million worldwide. The film captivates audiences with its tense portrayal of the kidnapping and the intriguing dynamics between the characters involved in the high-stakes situation.
All the Money in the World Ending Explained
Is All the Money in the World a Real Story Ending Explained in this section. In the ending of "All the Money in the World," Gail, portrayed by Michelle Williams, makes a daring move by announcing that she has managed to gather the full ransom amount herself. She hopes that by doing so, she can find a way to secure her son Paul's safe return, even without the cooperation of J. Paul Getty.
This desperate plea, combined with a powerful speech delivered by Chace, played by Mark Wahlberg, unintentionally persuades Getty to relent and provide the entire ransom. As a result, Gail regains custody of her children. Following the kidnappers' instructions precisely, Gail and Chace leave the ransom money at a secluded location.
After it is counted, they receive a call instructing them to pick up Paul from a construction site. However, according to advice from Cinquanta, played by Romain Duris, Paul has managed to escape. Gail and Chace embark on a frantic search for him, while the captors, angered by Chace's betrayal in leading the police to them, also hunt Paul with the intention of killing him.
The pursuit leads everyone to the town of Lauria under the cover of darkness. Some of the criminals are apprehended by the authorities, but one of them finds Paul. In a brave act, Cinquanta confronts the man, giving Paul an opportunity to escape. Finally, Paul is joyfully reunited with Gail and brought to safety. After the death of J. Paul Getty in 1976, Gail is entrusted with managing her children's inherited wealth until they reach adulthood.
Getty's estate was established as a charitable trust, allowing him to avoid taxes but preventing him from spending his income. However, he was able to invest his wealth, leading to the accumulation of an extensive collection of valuable art, sculptures, and other artifacts. Many of these items now reside in the renowned J. Paul Getty Museum located in Los Angeles.
All the Money in the World Plot
All the Money in the World True Story plot, In 1973, John Paul Getty III, the grandson of the immensely wealthy J. Paul Getty, is kidnapped in Rome by the 'Ndrangheta, a criminal organization. The kidnappers demand a ransom of $17 million, but Paul's mother, Gail Harris, is unable to pay due to her divorce agreement with Paul's drug-addicted father. Gail seeks help from J. Paul Getty, but he refuses to pay, fearing it would set a dangerous precedent.
Instead, he assigns Fletcher Chace, a Getty Oil negotiator, and former CIA operative, to investigate and secure Paul's release. As the media catches wind of the story, Gail becomes a target of constant paparazzi attention. Meanwhile, Paul is held hostage in southern Italy. Initially, his captors treat him relatively well, but as months pass without the ransom being paid, tensions rise.
A botched encounter leads to the death of one kidnapper, and the body is mistakenly believed to be Paul's. However, Gail quickly identifies the body as someone else. The Carabinieri eventually pinpoint Paul's location and conduct a raid, eliminating the present kidnappers but failing to find Paul, who has been sold to another crime family.
His new captors are far more ruthless and, after a failed escape attempt, they mutilate him, sending an ear to the media as proof of their brutality. After arduous negotiations, the ransom is reduced to $4 million. Getty agrees to pay but demands full custody of the children in return. Gail, realizing she is effectively granting custody to Getty, reluctantly signs the documents.
However, Getty only provides $1 million, citing tax deductions. Determined to save her son, Gail claims to have the full ransom, hoping to find a way to secure Paul's release. The desperation of the situation, coupled with a poignant speech from Chace, prompts Getty to provide the rest of the ransom and return custody of the children to Gail.
Following the captors' instructions, Gail and Chace leave the money at a designated spot and receive a call instructing them to pick up Paul. However, Paul has managed to escape on the advice of Cinquanta. Gail and Chace search for him while the captors, angered by Chace's betrayal, pursue him with deadly intentions. A convergence occurs in the town of Lauria, resulting in arrests, but one captor locates Paul.
Cinquanta intervenes, enabling Paul to escape, and he is eventually reunited with Gail, finding safety. After J. Paul Getty's death in 1976, Gail assumes responsibility for managing her children's inherited wealth. Getty's estate, structured as a charitable trust, allowed him to avoid taxes but restricted his personal spending. Nonetheless, he amassed an extensive collection of valuable artworks and artifacts, most of which now reside in the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
All the Money in the World - FAQs
John Paul Getty III, the grandson of J. Paul Getty.
They followed the instructions given by the captors and received a call to pick him up from a construction site.
Initially, he refused but eventually provided a partial amount.
Fletcher Chace, a Getty Oil negotiator and former CIA operative.
The kidnappers present were killed, but Paul was not found as he had been sold to another crime family.