Ransom

In Ronald D. Moore's taut thriller "Ransom" (1996), a wealthy businessman's son is kidnapped, prompting a cat-and-mouse game between the bereft father and the kidnappers. Tom Mankiewicz's script, based on a true story, sees the father, played by Mel Gibson, defy police advice and negotiate directly with the criminals, a move that turns the tables on both the kidnappers and the authorities. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and performances from a seasoned cast, including Rene Russo and Gary Oldman, underscore the high stakes of a negotiation where every word could mean life or death.