FOXCATCHER review by Mark Walters – Channing Tatum & Steve Carell take on a dark tale

FOXCATCHER review by Mark Walters – Channing Tatum & Steve Carell take on a dark tale

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Director Bennett Miller has made an art out of bringing true stories to the big screen, with well-respected efforts like CAPOTE and MONEYBALL. His latest effort is FOXCATCHER, a production he’s been working on for the better part of a decade. It follows the events surrounding Olympic wrestlers Mark and David Schultz, and the rich and eccentric John Du Pont. The unlikely unity of these three led to a tragic end, and Miller explores the journey that led to that unfortunate conclusion.

Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) is an Olympic medal winner living in the shadow of his brother David Schultz (Mark Ruffalo). Where David is admired and surrounded by friends, Mark is awkward and socially detached. He’s barely getting by, and only dreams of making it big doing the one thing he’s good at – wrestling. Mark receives a call from the estate of John Du Pont, who requests a meeting. Not knowing what to expect or why there’s interest, he visits the man and sits down for a chat. Du Pont (Steve Carell) questions Mark, asking his desires and motivations. Ultimately they form a bond, and agree to work together with John being a coach and Mark training a wrestling team. Both men hope to achieve Olympic gold. David questions their union, and fears his brother may be following the wrong path. Eventually the three start working together, which puts a strain on the brotherly relationship, and brings out the darkest side of John Du Pont.

It’s safe to say FOXCATCHER is a bleak film, muted in color and overall tone. There are few pleasant moments in this story, and it’s not an easy cinematic experience to endure, but it’s also one of the finest crafted films of the year. Miller never resorts to forced emotions or ill-timed humor, but rather lets the events unfold in a tense manner that works without any sort of cheap cinematic tricks. It almost feels like a throwback to an earlier era of filmmaking.

The strongest highlights come from the unexpected performances from the three leads. Steve Carell transforms himself into a man who barely recognize playing John Du Pont. His prosthetic nose, grayed-out hair and pale complexion hides the comedic actor we all know and love, but Carell turns in a cold and disconnected reading that is so far from anything you’d imagine. Du Pont doesn’t just become a strange and frightening figure, he also represents the most basic elements of human insecurity. At the core of the character is a man who just wants to fit in, have friends, and be respected for his own merits, but his own heritage and pampered lifestyle have made this rather impossible. He literally has to buy moments of happiness, and it’s become an embarrassing existence. While Bennett Miller doesn’t necessarily try to make him a sympathetic character, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. Channing Tatum also strays from expectations playing Mark Schultz, a hulking simpleton who (not unlike Du Pont) wants respect and admiration, but lacks the tools to make it happen. He’s a brute with strong physicality, but he’s just not a man destined for greatness, the way his brother appears to be. Tatum never makes Mark look cool, and sheds the pretty boy image for an almost ape-like demeanor. It’s an glamorous take and proof that Channing is much more than a Hollywood pretty face. And Mark Ruffalo also turns in a strong reading as David, the fortunate family man who seems to have it all. You can see his compassion for his brother, and his willingness to help, but he’s still naive to dangers right in front of their faces. It’s one of the more subtle performances of Ruffalo’s career, but its quietly brilliant.

FOXCATCHER is the kind of movie you’ll likely not want to watch twice, but will fully appreciate with a single viewing. It’s a haunting and effective cautionary tale, and an amazing character study, smartly performed by a strong cast and competently put together by one of the best directors working today. As this is a story few people know well, it’s a movie that deserves to be viewed. Bennett Miller’s lengthy journey on this production has paid off in the end, and once again solidifies why he’s one of the very finest in his profession.

FOXCATCHER is now playing everywhere

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About the Author

Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff.