Foxcatcher:
Starring: Steve Carrell as John Du Pont Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz Mark Ruffalo as Dave Schultz Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman Directed by Bennett Miller
A Tragic Wrestling Tale!
The Foxcatcher is a historical based crime drama about two Olympic gold wrestling brothers being driven apart by a patriotic multimillionaire. The three main actors are Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo. The film is directed by academy nominated Bennett Miller who was nominated for Moneyball and directed Capote. The film was considered to be one of the best films at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Mark Schultz and John E. Du Pont posing at publicity shots for Team Foxcatcher.
Mark Schultz, Channing Tatum, is a Olympic gold wrestling champion from a small rural town iand feels constantly overshadowed by his older brother, Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) who is also an Olympic Champion. Mark is contacted by John E. du Pont, a wealthy philanthropist and wrestling enthusiast. John wants to make wrestling America’s Olympic sport and use Mark as a symbol for patriotism. He also wants to be a father and mentor to his protégé. Mark jumps at the chance to represent team Foxcatcher, John’s private wrestling team. As the film progresses John does lead Mark down a dangerous path but also career ending one. John has no choice but to turn to Dave Schultz. Dave accepts John’s offer but his decision proves to be fatal for his family.
Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum shine as team throughout the film.
Foxcatcher is about a film about two brothers who are absolutely loyal and supportive towards each other because Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo display that loyalty in every scene that they are in. Tatum and Ruffalo gave stellar acting performances and their acting makes my excitement even higher than what it was for their upcoming performances in future films. The image above is from a scene where Tatum and his mentor John E. du Pont, Steve Carrell, come to Dave’s hotel room during the World Wrestling Championships. Dave is busy with his wife and two children, and Mark feels like Dave isn’t being supportive enough then leaves the hotel room furious. Dave stops him in the hallway, gives him tips, and shows him how to defeat his next opponent because Dave really does love his brother. The movie is filled with that brotherly family dynamic and allowed the audience to be in the film along with the actors. Ruffalo was nominated for best supporting actor. He will get an academy award one day because Ruffalo is a hell of an actor. Channing Tatum is not some pretty boy but also great charismatic actor. He should have been nominated for best actor.
Director Bennett Miller attending the Cannes premiere with Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo.
Bennett Miller needs to be given a lot props for casting Steve Carell as John E. du Pont. His visual settings and tone were perfect, and he had a clear vision of the film’s story were perfect. He deserved that best directing nomination. Carell was amazing as John E. du Pont. Du Pont’s story was sad. At John’s core, he desperately seeks his mother’s approval. He’s also batshit crazy with a lot of jealousy toward the relationship that Mark and Dave have. Bennett hit a homerun by choosing all three actors, and they together made Foxcatcher a tragic story.
Honestly, the film didn’t really have a lot of negatives. It was a compelling story that made the audience feel sad at the end. It probably deserved a best picture nomination, and Channing and Carrell will have career boost after more people see this film. Foxcatcher gets a 4 out of 5 from me.
coop on the scoop 