Plot
Wrestler Mark Schultz forms a relationship with his new sponsor, millionaire John du Pont, as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances as both men feel inferior to Mark's revered brother, Dave.
Release Year: 2014
Rating: 7.9/10 (2,075 voted)
Critic's Score: 87/100
Director: Bennett Miller
Stars: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo
Storyline
Based on true events, Foxcatcher tells the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi-millionaire and two champion wrestlers. When Olympic Gold Medal winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) is invited by wealthy heir John du Pont (Steve Carell) to move on to the du Pont estate and help form a team to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics at his new state-of-the-art training facility, Schultz jumps at the opportunity, hoping to focus on his training and finally step out of the shadow of his revered brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Driven by hidden needs, du Pont sees backing Schultz's bid for Gold and the chance to "coach" a world-class wrestling team as an opportunity to gain the elusive respect of his peers and, more importantly, his disapproving mother (Vanessa Redgrave). Flattered by the attention and entranced by du Pont's majestic world, Mark comes to see his benefactor as a father figure and grows increasingly ...
Writers: E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
Cast: Steve Carell -
John du Pont
Channing Tatum -
Mark Schultz
Mark Ruffalo -
David Schultz
Sienna Miller -
Nancy Schultz
Vanessa Redgrave -
Jean du Pont
Anthony Michael Hall -
Jack
Guy Boyd -
Henry Beck
Brett Rice -
Fred Cole
Jackson Frazer -
Alexander Schultz
Samara Lee -
Danielle Schultz
Francis J. Murphy III -
Wayne Kendall
Jane Mowder -
Rosie
David Bennett -
Documentary Director
Lee Perkins -
Corporal Daly
Robert Haramia -
Banquet Guest
Filming Locations: Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania, USA
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia: Steve Carell studied video footage of John duPont for hours. Carell told reporters after the film's screening at the Cannes Film Festival "I watched as much as I could, I read as much as I could about him and tried to get semblance about the type of person he was." According to director Bennett Miller, Carell's career as a comic actor hadn't suggested that he was right for the role until he had lunch with the actor. Miller said upon Carell's casting, "I think all comedians are dark." See more »
Quotes:
User Review
Author:
Rating: 8/10
A film that takes its time presenting its case, Bennett Miller's
wickedly brutal "Foxcatcher" entices audiences to learn more about the
questions around us, and where they could lead. Seated firmly in the
center are a trio of dazzling performances from Channing Tatum, Steve
Carell, and Mark Ruffalo, all of which make a compelling case for their
career best works.
Written by Oscar-nominee Dan Futterman and E. Max Frye, "Foxcatcher"
tells the story of Mark Schultz (Tatum), an Olympic wrestler who
befriends billionaire John Du Pont (Carell) in the mid-1980's. Along
with his brother Dave (Ruffalo) and his wife Nancy (Sienna Miller),
that new relationship leads to unforeseen consequences.
At the core of this morality tale is Bennett Miller, the Oscar-
nominated director of "Capote" and "Moneyball." He allows"Foxcatcher"
to study its subjects, and give the audience an in-depth understanding
of all the motives involved. With the help of Cinematographer Greig
Fraser, and composer Rob Simonsen, the movie's melancholy atmosphere is
truly compelling. Miller's brilliance isn't in things he chooses to
show, but in the things he chooses not to. He draws out scenes that
offer so much to the narrative. There's still so much left on the table
that we do not know, which in itself, is perfectly acceptable. Life
never gives us all the answers we seek. Miller, Futterman, and Frye
understand this. Material like this calls to be made into a film. I'm
so glad that these three answered the call.
What Steve Carell achieves as John DuPont is not just a performance by
a full embodiment. With strength and precision, he understands DuPont,
a man with an extreme outlook on reality. Carell doesn't just ask us to
sympathize with John, between his awkward behavior and his constant
yearning to impress his family's legacy, he demands our understanding.
If I didn't already know about the film for the past two years, I
wouldn't have recognized him. His performance is completely focused and
profound. Looking at the way he carries himself through the film, you
are witnessing one of the purest creations of a character this year.
When he's not on-screen, you're secretly wishing he was.
When it comes to Channing Tatum, I have to admit that I never FULLY
understood the appeal. Discovered the young ferocious actor in Dito
Montiel's "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" nearly a decade ago, and
afterwards was only mildly entertained by his presence in films like
"21 Jump Street" and "Side Effects." What he does in Miller's film is
something beyond anything I could have ever thought he could do. Tatum
doesn't just do an imitation, he channels the inner workings of a man
desperate for more. His peculiarities are richly on display as he
yearns for a father figure outside of the shadow of his more successful
brother. He embraces the odd DuPont, against all logical instincts, but
you can see exactly why he would feel so compelled to do so.
Mark Ruffalo gives Dave the ticks and beats of an original creation.
Picking at his beard (something I know all too well), constantly
engaging in team leadership, and hugging his younger brother whose more
of a son than anything. Ruffalo mounts himself on the perch of a loving
brother just trying to create success for himself and his family. This
is another solid outing for him.
Co-star Vanessa Redgrave, as John's fragile mother, is marvelous in her
short scenes while Sienna Miller adds a needed dynamic to understanding
both Mark and Dave. The two women both offer compassion and balance.
"Foxcatcher" is terrifying, disturbing, and utterly engaging. A slowly
unraveled piece that is risky but pays off immensely. It's cautious yet
strictly well-defined as a character study. Like all great films with
great performances, its element of truth is plainly apparent. On the
gray-skied farm, we will get to know three interesting men, some of
which, we'll never truly understand.
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