Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher

Starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller

Directed by Bennett Miller

Synopsis:
Mark (Channing Tatum) and his older brother David (Mark Ruffalo) Schultz are wrestlers who've competed in several matches, even winning gold at the 1984 Olympics.  The brothers have had a terrible life, not having a father, and being forced to move around often, and Mark especially suffers from depression and feelings of inadequacy and always living under his brothers' shadow.

Then comes wealthy eccentric John du Pont (Steve Carell), who is known for his fortune based on gunpowder, as well as his Foxcatcher farm centering around breeding racing horses, who has taken a liking to wrestling, and Mark in particular.  He hires Mark to live with him on the ranch and develop a group of men to win gold at the 1988 Olympics, and Mark readily agrees, seeing this as his first chance to step into the limelight himself, and find a father figure in du Pont.

Things begin souring quickly, though, and du Pont brings in David, to Mark's chagrin and anger, which leads all three men to a cataclysmic collision that will alter their lives forever.

Review:
"Foxcatcher" is a different type of movie, as it seems to be one part documentary, one part drama.  It does tell the true story of what happened - well, as true as a general movie can make a true story be.  The real Mark Schultz has been heard on record saying it's not very accurate, but since hardly anyone knows the real story, this is what we got to work with.

And what we got to work with is an amazing character study of three men.  There's David, who was brilliantly played by now two-time Oscar nominated actor Mark Ruffalo.  He's the rock of the family, and even though Mark often despises him, he also looks up to him for guidance and acceptance.  David has his own family, and often thinks of them before his brother, but in the end he always comes to his brothers' aid.  Among the three men, he's the most centered of them.

Then there's Mark, who was played by a surprisingly great Channing Tatum - someone more well-known for his action and comedy films than a hard-driven drama.  Tatum brings Mark to the screen in brilliant light, showcasing his emotional instability and search for acceptance, and how he never seemed to be content with where he was.  Mark was a truly injured person, who sought to be approved by anyone, and unfortunately found that in the very fractured du Pont.

John du Pont was an eccentric man who always wanted his mother's approval, in a sort of Norman Banks-esque way.  Steve Carell, who is most known for his comedic films and shows, takes a dramatic turn to the dark side in this role, and portrayed it so brilliantly he was nominated for an Oscar for his role, which will be seen as the defying role of his career.  Du Pont and Mark had a lot in common, which is probably why Mark gravitated toward him - both men had no father figures, both were immensely insecure, and both wanted something to prove.  Unfortunately, du Pont's wild ways caught up with him - and the Schultz family - in deadly and destructive ways.

As far as the film is concerned, many found it incredibly boring, probably because there's no explosions, superheroes or sex to be seen.  That's rather unfortunate, because "Foxcatcher" is an incredibly simple tale of how ruined people ruin people, and the power and deadly nature pride has on a person.  Another extraordinary addition to director Benneyt Miller's resume (along with "Capote" and "Moneyball"). 

Summary:
"Foxcatcher" is an exemplary tale of three fractured men, and how far you'd go to gain acceptance and pride.

My Rating: A