Rome: A new film about the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III by the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia is set to begin shooting in Rome later this year. The film’s producers announced the casting of Al Pacino and Katie Holmes, who will play pivotal roles in the upcoming feature.
According to Ansa News Agency, the film, titled Captivated, is produced by Alessandro Iervolino and directed by Dito Montiel. It aims to explore the intricate relationship between an ‘Ndrangheta boss, portrayed by Pacino, and the victim’s mother, played by Holmes. Unlike Ridley Scott’s 2017 drama All The Money In The World, which focused on the broader case, this new film delves into the personal dynamics between these two characters.
The official plot description highlights the unique connection between the characters, stating, “They are two souls from completely different worlds, united by a tragedy that will change their lives forever.” The narrative promises to unfold in a “climate of psychological tension and subtle desire,” as a “seductive chess game” plays out, adding complexity to the mystery of the kidnapping.
John Paul Getty III, the grandson of American oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, was living in Rome in 1973 when he was abducted by the ‘Ndrangheta and held for a $17 million ransom. Initial reluctance from his grandfather to pay the ransom changed after a severed ear was sent to a newspaper, leading to a negotiated payment of $2.2 million. Getty was eventually released after being held captive for five months.
In the years following his release, Getty developed an addiction to alcohol and other drugs, culminating in an overdose and stroke in 1981 that left him severely disabled. He passed away at the age of 54 on February 5, 2011.
