Foxcatcher is an intense film that traces the unexpected and apparently true relationship between an Olympic wrestler and a reclusive millionaire, which ends in tragedy.
By Keeva Stratton
When John E. du Pont (Steve Carell) takes an interest in wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) as he prepares for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, du Pont offers Schultz a place at a training facility located on his private estate.
The facility and the resources prove alluring, and Mark takes du Pont up on his offer, but he is unable to convince his brother David (Mark Ruffalo)—who also happens to be his training partner and mentor—to join him.
In his brother’s absence, du Pont forges a strong bond with Mark, exposing him to a world of wealth and power that is entirely new to him. This has its consequences, with the previously diligent Mark now exploring the hedonistic lifestyle that comes with fame and fortune; a lifestyle that proves to be an ill fit with the disciplined needs of Olympic-level athletes.
Mark soon finds himself at a career crossroads. He is underprepared for his Olympic campaign, and he is unable to extricate himself from the strange grip du Pont holds over him. As the tensions build, Mark must find a way to escape, but escaping his own demise in the process may not be possible.
It’s hard to express just how creepy and disturbing this film is. It captures a possessive and obsessive relationship, where du Pont uses power and wealth to effectively control this naïve athlete for his own twisted pleasure. Days after the screening, the discomfort still resonates, which speaks to the incredible performances of both Carell and Tatum in their respective roles.
This is not so much a sports film or your typical against-the-odds champion fare; rather it is an exploration of character, of the real and disturbing power wealth creates when it’s in the wrong hands.
As brilliant as it is frightening, Foxcatcher takes many known actors and places them in seemingly out-of-character roles—but it works. It will be hard to accept Steve Carell as a mere comic after watching such a terrifying and nuanced performance. Channing Tatum is also utterly believable as the Olympic wrestler looking for guidance and finding it in all the wrong places, and Mark Ruffalo as his brother is out of the box. Add yet another commanding performance by Vanessa Redgrave, and you realise how rare it is to see such talent combine so effectively.
I can’t say I enjoyed watching Foxcatcher, but it was a truly powerful, haunting experience, and an exceptional use of the medium. No doubt, you will hear a lot about this film in the lead up to awards season, and it will be buzz that’s truly well deserved.
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 134mins
Release Date: January 29, 2015
Reviewer rating: 4/5
