If you're tired of politically correct dramas and crave a dose of real history and grit, "Trust" is your next must-watch. This American TV series delves into the saga of the Getty family—a name synonymous with oil, riches, and influence—and portrays the dramatic kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. Premiering on the cable network FX in March 2018, this show is set against the glitzy yet shadowy world of 1970s Rome, offering viewers a glimpse into what happens when immense wealth clashes with family turmoil.
"Trust" is more than just a TV drama; it's a sinister reminder of the way money bends moral compasses. Donald Sutherland plays the role of J. Paul Getty, Sr., and delivers a chilling performance of a man whose wealth is matched only by his hubris. The depiction might just be aggravating enough to wake those liberals pining for billionaires to remedy all society’s ills.
Now, what makes "Trust" irresistible? First, it's a stark portrayal of family dynamics corrupted by wealth. When John Paul Getty III is kidnapped, you’d think the world's richest man would move heaven and earth for his grandson. But, no, J. Paul Getty Sr. refuses to pay the $17 million ransom—not out of financial constraint, but to preserve the sanctity of money. Instead of writing a simple check, he invents a complex loan scheme to lend the ransom.
Second, Brendan Fraser's role as Fletcher Chase, Getty's head of security, offers a glimmer of rugged American determination. You can’t help but smirk as Fraser's character navigates the tangled minefield of the Italian underworld, accentuating American resolve in untangling complex situations. If there’s one thing "Trust" drives home, it's that wealth and power can shield or expose you to the worst of humanity.
The series also doesn’t shy away from showcasing the ugly ugliness of negotiations with kidnappers. Unlike most crime dramas, it doesn’t glorify crime. This gritty realism might not sit well with everyone—especially those who prefer their realities sugar-coated.
Also fascinating is the labyrinthine Getty family relationships. It’s an environment where love is a currency and everything else is collateral. Watching these personal dramas unfold might just make any ordinary family Thanksgiving seem blissful.
What sets "Trust" apart, though, are its immaculate production values. The grandeur of Getty’s estate, the shimmer of Italian landscapes, and that '70s style are captured brilliantly. Ridley Scott, the executive producer, ensures every frame speaks to the luxury and despair of wealth.
Yet, the narrative nudges you to question the role of money—does it serve or enslave? While some wish to paint capitalism with the broad brush of selfishness, "Trust" reveals that wealth amplifies the inherent nature of its possessor, be it benevolent or tyrannical.
It's intriguing how "Trust" taps into real events yet maintains its dramatic storytelling, cleverly weaving facts with fiction to keep viewers on the edge. It's not a biographical account but a creative retelling that investigates the thin veneer separating the affluent and the afflicted.
As the episodes roll, you witness betrayals and loyalties that are both chilling and captivating, inviting introspection on personal principles and societal values. The irony of one of the wealthiest men refusing to rescue his own blood is dramatic but grounded in reality.
Rumor has it, "Trust" was created as a response to the drama "All the Money in the World," directed by Ridley Scott himself. Some might argue it outshines its cinematic sibling with more depth and character exploration.
Still, "Trust" is unapologetically selective in its portrayal, shedding light on themes some shows might sidestep. It challenges you to see beyond the glamour of wealth and into the hypocrisy that often fuels such fortune.
For those who appreciate television that doesn't pander to sanitized narratives, "Trust" is a refreshing anomaly. It's raw, a tad unsettling, and altogether engrossing—a portrait of the 70s not through rose-colored glasses but with the sharp focus of a moral examination.
In the end, while "Trust" mirrors the chaos resulting from one family's entanglement with extreme affluence, it also reflects ambition and resilience amidst crisis. Viewers won't just watch a drama unfold—they're invited to consider the precarious balance of money, family, and morality in a way that’s intriguing and deeply entertaining.