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*Ransom (1996 film)

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*Ransom (1996 film)
NameRansom
CaptionTheatrical release poster
DirectorRon Howard
ProducerBrian Grazer, Scott Rudin, B. Kipling Hagopian
WriterRichard Price, Alexander Ignon
StarringMel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary Sinise, Delroy Lindo, Lili Taylor, Brawley Nolte, Liev Schreiber, Donnie Wahlberg, Evan Handler
MusicJames Horner
CinematographyPiotr Sobocinski
EditingDaniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill
StudioTouchstone Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
DistributorBuena Vista Pictures Distribution
Released1996, 11, 08
Runtime121 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$80 million
Gross$309.7 million

*Ransom (1996 film) is an American crime thriller film directed by Ron Howard and starring Mel Gibson. The screenplay by Richard Price and Alexander Ignon centers on a wealthy airline magnate who turns the tables on his son's kidnappers by offering the ransom money as a bounty on their heads. Produced by Brian Grazer and Scott Rudin for Touchstone Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, the film was a major commercial success and received mixed to positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Multi-millionaire airline owner Tom Mullen and his wife, Kate Mullen, live a privileged life in New York City with their young son, Sean Mullen. During a visit to Central Park, Sean is kidnapped by a group led by corrupt NYPD detective Jimmy Shaker. The kidnappers demand a $2 million ransom. After a botched drop orchestrated by FBI agent Lonnie Hawkins, Tom makes a desperate, televised counter-offer: he will use the ransom money as a public bounty on the kidnappers. This bold move triggers a city-wide manhunt, escalating tensions with both the FBI and the criminals. As the situation unravels, Tom discovers the kidnapping is also an act of revenge linked to a past business scandal, forcing him into a final, violent confrontation to save his family.

Cast

* Mel Gibson as Tom Mullen * Rene Russo as Kate Mullen * Gary Sinise as Detective Jimmy Shaker * Delroy Lindo as FBI Agent Lonnie Hawkins * Lili Taylor as Maris Conner * Brawley Nolte as Sean Mullen * Liev Schreiber as Clark Barnes * Donnie Wahlberg as Cubby Barnes * Evan Handler as Miles Roberts * Nancy Ticotin as Agent Kimberly Miller * Paul Guilfoyle as Wallace

Production

The film is a loose remake of the 1956 Glenn Ford film of the same name. Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer developed the project at their company, Imagine Entertainment. Screenwriter Richard Price was hired to extensively rewrite the initial script by Alexander Ignon, deepening the character psychology and the New York City atmosphere. Principal photography took place primarily in New York City, including locations in Central Park and Gracie Mansion. The role of Sean Mullen was played by Brawley Nolte, the son of actor Nick Nolte. The film's score was composed by the renowned James Horner.

Release

*Ransom (1996 film) was released in North America by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution on November 8, 1996. Its premiere was held at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. The marketing campaign heavily emphasized the high-stakes thriller elements and the star power of Mel Gibson, who was at a career peak following films like Braveheart and Lethal Weapon.

Reception

The film was a significant box office hit, grossing over $309 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. It opened at #1 at the U.S. box office, displacing The First Wives Club. Critical reception was divided; some praised the tense direction by Ron Howard and performances, particularly by Mel Gibson and Gary Sinise, while others criticized the plot's implausibility. Gary Sinise received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film's climax and ethical dilemma sparked considerable discussion among audiences and critics alike.

Soundtrack

The film's musical score was composed and conducted by James Horner, marking his third collaboration with director Ron Howard following Willow and Apollo 13. The soundtrack album was released by Hollywood Records and features Horner's suspenseful orchestral compositions. Notably, the score avoids a traditional heroic theme for Tom Mullen, instead using darker, more complex motifs to reflect the character's morally ambiguous journey. The album also includes the song "This Love" by Craig Armstrong.

Category:1996 films Category:American crime thriller films Category:Films directed by Ron Howard Category:Touchstone Pictures films