Equipped with a compelling script from E.Max Frye and Dan Futterman, an incredible cast and the steady eye of cinematographer Greig Fraser (Zero Dark Thirty), director Bennett Miller brings the tragic true story of Olympic gold medal wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz to the big screen in Foxcatcher. Touted as an Oscar front runner since it’s début at Cannes this past spring, the hype surrounding the film is a little overwhelming but also well warranted. Foxcatcher is a film you feel more than you watch and the performances have a lot to do with what makes it so compelling.
Foxcatcher is a sports film unlike any other. The story of two poor brothers – both world class wrestlers – who finally catch a break via a wealthy and mysterious benefactor is far from feel good. It’s a dark, real-life story about how all three lives were shattered. The film progresses at an eerily slow pace, following a methodical rhythm. Channing Tatum’s Mark Schultz is the first character we meet. He’s distant, dull and lonely. He spends his days training with his brother, the shorter, older and far more charismatic wrestler and coach, Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo). On paper the casting of Tatum and Ruffalo seem typical. Ruffalo’s performances are consistently impressive and his work in Foxcatcher is no different. However despite reliable performances he’s often overlooked. In this case he’s overshadowed by his co-stars, which is a shame since Ruffalo’s Dave is the heart to this film. Tatum as a towering dimwitted athlete also feels like predictable casting, but the range and growth Tatum brings to the character is unprecedented in his young career. Mark is the central character and the story is told largely from his perspective. Though he’s in the majority of the scenes, Tatum gets the fewest lines of the three leads, and there is a lot to be said for an actor who can make silence as powerful as Tatum does.
[Carell] brings a sincerity and depth to the character who is so far removed from reality it almost makes him sympathetic.
Steve Carell’s John du Pont is positively cringe worthy. Seeing the funny man transform into the shrew, spoiled and unbalanced millionaire is truly remarkable. Carell has had quite the roster of ridiculous characters – Michael in The Office, Barry in Dinner for Schmucks and even Gru, the struggling evil villain turned single father in Despicable Me – but none have been as bizarre as John du Pont. It would be easy for an actor with Carell’s background to overdo it, to point out the flaws and find the funny in this character like he’s done with his previous oddballs, but he doesn’t. He brings a sincerity and depth to the character who is so far removed from reality it almost makes him sympathetic. This film is worth seeing for the performances alone. Miller has directed one actor to Academy gold, and three others to nominations – this film should see those numbers rise.
The way the camera directs your view, the drawn out conversations filled with pregnant silences and, the sparse score all add to an overall feeling of uneasiness. Something awful and pitiful looms over these characters. This is not an easy film to watch. In fact, I get the distinct impression that director Bennett Miller wants you to tense up in your seat. Nevertheless it is an incredibly well made movie. Do yourself a favour: if you don’t know the details of the Schultz’ story, don’t look it up. Watch the film, embrace the uncomfortable and be open to the conclusion – which will leave you with more questions than answers. Then do the research and maybe hug someone you love.
Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.
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