Foxcatcher-2014

Director Bennett Miller

Starring Steve Carell

Scott’s Review #210

Reviewed January 2, 2015

Grade: A

Foxcatcher (2014) is a dark, disturbing psychological thriller that succeeds through its bleak look and strong performances.

It is a superb, character-driven story based on true events, led by Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo, all of whom are excellent.

It is a sports film, but hardly as predictable as many in the genre.

The film is set in 1987. Brothers Mark and Dave Schultz (Tatum and Ruffalo, respectively) are former Olympic gold-medal-winning wrestlers preparing to compete in the 1988 Olympics.

Despite winning a gold medal, Mark (Tatum) lives in squalor and is reduced to giving pep rallies at elementary schools, jobs meant for Dave (Ruffalo), for very little money.

Dave is the more successful brother, a family man living a happy existence. He is more talented and more driven than Mark.

One day, wealthy philanthropist John du Pont (Carell) contacts Mark and invites him to live with him at his expansive estate in Pennsylvania and train with other aspiring Olympic wrestlers.

John’s initial attempts to woo Dave also fail.

From this point in the story, the film delves into psychologically dark territory, mainly the controlling, disturbing behavior of John, as he attempts to control Mark and woo Dave.

John has a damaged relationship with his mother, Jean, wonderfully played by Vanessa Redgrave. Jean feels that John’s obsession with the wrestling world is far beneath him, and their relationship is tense and unloving.

The three principal actors in the film are worth discussing, as the film wouldn’t be as complex or compelling without them.

Let’s begin with Channing Tatum- known primarily as a hunky movie star with questionable acting ability- he proves the naysayers wrong.

I cannot help but compare him to a younger Brad Pitt. It took years and many films for him to be recognized as more than a pretty face and abs to die for.

His performance is understated and calm, but his laid-back demeanor is nuanced. Sometimes anger bubbles under the surface.

Carell is downright creepy as the affluent yet insecure Du Pont.

Throughout the film, the character seems off. Known mostly for silly comedies, he delivers a breakout performance that, I hope, leads to similar meaty roles. Carell shows he has what it takes to appear in quality films.

Lastly, Mark Ruffalo, who always plays interesting, everyman-type characters, again brings strong emotion to Dave Schultz, a successful, driven athlete who is also a dedicated husband and father.

With a different cast, Foxcatcher wouldn’t have been as interesting.

Questions will arise at the end of the film. What were John du Pont’s motivations? What effect did his mother have on his actions? How could a man with all his power and wealth end up this sad? Did John make inappropriate sexual overtures toward the wrestlers?

Foxcatcher (2014) excels at portraying a dark, layered, moody true story and shows that wealth does not equal happiness; in many cases, the opposite occurs.

The film is an immense success.

Oscar Nominations: Best Director-Bennett Miller, Best Actor-Steve Carell, Best Supporting Actor-Mark Ruffalo, Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Special Distinction Award (won)