Released in 1996 and unlike any other movie at the time,Ransomoffers a fresh take on the crime thriller genre – delivering a great twist that I believe makes it one of Mel Gibson’s most underrated movies. More often than not, movies such asLethal Weapon(1987),Mad Max(1979), andBraveheart(1995) are the first contenders when discussingMel Gibson’s best film. However,Ransombrings something completely new to the table. The picture challenges the lengths parents will go to to protect their child, leaving us on the edge of our seats with some truly unexpected twists – especially in the finale.
Ransomsucceeds in making something unique within the crime-thriller format – thanks largely to the creative input ofdirector Ron Howard.Ransomfollows multi-millionaire Tom Mullens (Gibson) whose son is kidnapped. However, in the first twist of the movie, Mullens turns the tables andannounces a bounty on the heads of the kidnapperslive on television. This leads to a sequence of events that see the kidnapper, Detective Jimmy Shaker, fabricating a rescue that hails him, a police officer, as a hero. By the movie’s climax, this subversion helps create one of my favorite movie twists ever.
Sean Recognizing Detective Jimmy Shaker As The Kidnapper Was A Great Twist In Ransom
The Twist Represented A Departure From The Classic Conventions In The Genre
It’s towards the end ofRansomthat Shaker arrives at the Mullens' home to collect his reward, and this moment alone is why the film ranks (for me) among thebest action-thrillers of all time. Despite Mullen’s son (Brawley Nolte) having never laid eyes on his kidnappers,Seanrecognizes Shaker’s voice immediately. He alerts his father by standing hidden in the hallway, with Nolte delivering an outstanding acting display. He stays silent, and his terror leads to the boy soiling himself, and his father understands what’s happening at a stroke.
Ron Howard’sRansomrelies more upon the drama of the movie’s twists than the exploitation of genre tropes.
It’s one of the most tense moments I have ever witnessed in film, and this moment really makes you sit on the edge of your seat begging for Sean to remain unseen by the villain. Ron Howard’sRansomrelies more upon the drama of the movie’s twists than the exploitation of genre tropes. Besides the exceptional cast performances, this approachsets the movie apart from its contemporaries, and makes the twist somewhat of a rarity in action movies of that particular era.
Mel Gibson And Gary Sinise’s Performances Elevated Ransom’s Premise
They Both Help The Movie Stand Out
On first inspection,Ransomdefinitely appears to be a stereotypical revenge movie that plays on the conventions of the genre. However, the premise works, and it does this by making use of a stellar cast to its advantage. Gibson and Sinise share several captivating moments on-screen, constantly keeping the audience guessing. Naturally, Gibson’s character is emotionally wrought by his son’s abduction, whereas Sinise is a malevolent presence at the heart of the story.
Gary Sinise had a good relationship with Ron Howard prior toRansom, as he had worked alongside him onApollo 13one year earlier.
These powerful performances make the movie’s final shocking twist even more rewarding. Of course, it’sRansom’s shocking kidnapper twist that really makes it memorable. However, I doubt I would have found it so enthralling were it not for Sinise and Gibson’s work throughout.
