Reel Review: Dead Man’s Wire Depicts A Societal Problem Still Plaguing Us Today

In February of 1977, a mortgage broker (Dacre Montgomery) is taken hostage by a real estate developer (Bill Skarsgard) who their company screwed over. The disgruntled client, Tony, attaches a shotgun to Richard Hall’s neck as he holds him hostage in his apartment. In an attempt to regain what he has lost at the hands of a major corporation, Tony tries to negotiate with cops, FBI, and local radio host (Colman Domingo).

While the real life events that inspired this film occurred in the 1970s, a lot of its themes are concerningly relevant. It is well known that much of corporate America, especially at that time, was run by men. Nepotism and favoritism ran rampant without boundaries or repercussions, resulting in unfair treatment of other employees and clients.

The deal brokered by Richard’s father went sour when the development of the land stopped and Tony got screwed over. His plans of kidnapping the head of the company was derailed when he entered the building with a shotgun in a cardboard box, expecting to walk into his office. Only then did he learn that he was on vacation, but his son Richard was working. Shifting his plans, Tony kidnaps Richard and uses his for ransom.

During negotiations, Tony requests financial compensation and a formal apology from M. L. Hall. A simple request, but denied in all aspect. Hall even refuses to issue an apology with his son’s life in danger further proving the business man’s cruel intentions and lack of empathy for not only clients, but his son as well.

Fred Temple (Colman Domingo) is a local radio host in which Tony has grown to have a parasocial relationship with. During negotiations, Tony chooses to call the radio station and use Fred as a middle man instead of trusting law enforcement. While Temple is accommodating to Tony’s asks, he ultimately becomes a mouthpiece for the police’s agenda and only aids in freeing Richard and arresting Tony.

Dead Man’s Wire is structurally very similar to most films based on a real story, staying true to the main beats and visuals as the real events. Skarsgard and Montgomery give heart palpitating performances that depict a different kind of pain and hurt than in most films of the time. This structure of capitalism leaves very few the ability to flourish and leads others into more greedy means of operating business.

Dead Man’s Wire is playing in theaters now.