Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher
(2014)
A Review by Grant Kanigan
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Written by: E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
Starring: Channing Tatum, Steve Carell
Mark Ruffalo
Rating: PG
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| Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo in Foxcatcher © Fair Hill, LLC. All Rights Reserved |
Foxcatcher follows Mark Schultz, (Channing Tatum), an olympic gold medalist and wrestler, who finds himself broke and desperate in a 1987 America that doesn't give much credit to world class wrestlers. While his more sociable and friendly brother David, (Mark Ruffalo), makes a decent enough living to support his wife and children, Mark relies on his brother's kindness and willingness to train him as his emotional support. It's not until Mark catches the eye of the obscenely wealthy John DuPont that Schultz has a chance to make it as a wrestler without his brother's help. Du Pont, heir to a ridiculously large fortune of money and real estate, is an odd duck. Emotionally distant, detached, and surrounded by yes-men, Schultz chooses to only see the highlights of Du Pont's personality; his wealth. Offered a chance to make money via living, training and coaching on Du Pont's property, Schultz jumps at the opportunity to make a living doing what he loves through the sponsorship of Schultz's wrestling philanthropy. Yet, as we see more and more of Du Pont, it becomes clear that he's mentally disturbed, and (at least the way Carell portrays him), suffers from a variety of mental illnesses, likely bipolar disorder and Aspergers disorder.
Like I mentioned above, Foxcatcher is a film of moments. As it begins, we can see the depression and quiet desperation of Mark. The cinematography is fluid, and as each moment flows into the next, each image is breathtaking; the darkly lit halls of Du Pont's manor, a dank training centre, a riot of horses. Cinematographer Greig Fraser, (Killing Them Softly, Zero Dark Thirty), showcases his most accomplished work yet. Some of the images are truly brilliant, while others bleak, cold, and shocking.
Besides the cinematography, the acting is far above average. With a supporting cast featuring the dependable Vanessa Redgrave, an unrecognizable Anthony Michael Hall and a committed Sienna Miller, the main cast members have their work cut out for them. Steve Carell, playing strongly against type is menacing as the creepy, exploitative and calculating Du Pont; Carell's performance is a revelation, and his Oscar nomination is well deserved. Ruffalo, also well deserving of his Oscar nomination, is superb as the only 'normal' member of the bunch, a well-rounded athlete just doing his best to support his brother and family. Along with his performance in the shocking and heartbreaking The Normal Heart earlier this year, Ruffalo is fast becoming a master of his craft. Finally, the best acting overall is by Tatum. Playing against type as a lonely, shy and depressed wrestler, Tatum physically, emotionally and desperately gives his performance everything. It's a fearless performance and deserved far more recognition this last year. Tatum's performance was on par with the brilliant work of Michael Keaton in Birdman and Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything. Tatum is a rare breed, a true movie star who has now proved his worth in comedy, (with 21-22 Jump Street), big budget fare, (G.I. Joe, White House Down), art house films, (Side Effects, Haywire), and his own work as a writer in the mediocre but well received Magic Mike. All three leads fully envelop themselves in their characters and carry the heft of Foxcatcher's true story on their backs. It's electrifying to watch.
Overall, with some exquisite cinematography, a slow-burning and disturbing script, smart direction from Miller, (who is on his way to auteur status, batting 3 for 3 with Capote, Moneyball and now Foxcatcher), and some groundbreaking acting, Foxcatcher is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.
Grant's Rating: 4/5 Stars
Mark Ruffalo & Channing Tatum in Foxcatcher: "What Does He Get Out of This?"
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