Today’s trip to the movies was for the highly touted Foxcatcher. It is based on the 1980’s true story of multimillionaire John du Pont and his promotion of USA wrestling, especially the training of brothers Mark and Dave Schultz. It is a disturbing true crime film, featuring outstanding acting by the three leads of Steve Carell (du Pont), Channing Tatum (Mark), and Mark Ruffalo (Dave).
The film starts in 1987, 3 years after the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic games, where Dave and Mark both won gold medals for the USA. Older brother Dave is married and settled into a steady career and family, training for future matches while also teaching at the local college. He trains daily with Mark, who has not reached any kind of personal success since the Olympics. He is strong and hopeful for future triumphs, but is sort of aimless in his everyday life outside of the gym. John du Pont swoops in and picks him up, setting up a wrestling training facility on his family’s immense estate. Mark is eager to get out from under his brother’s shadow, so he jumps at the opportunity to train on his own and make his own name.
From the beginning John gives off a creepy vibe. He too is trying to break away (in a way) from his family name, and has obvious mother issues, trying to prove his worth to his mom in his new pursuit. He wants Mark to love him as a father (or more perhaps, the movie implies but never states they had a romantic relationship). When Mark doesn’t reciprocate completely, John angrily hires Dave to come in, further distancing Mark and sending him a downward spiral.
Tremendous acting, for all three men, and all ready Carell and Ruffalo have been nominated for Golden Globes. Personally I think Ruffalo was the best in a supporting role, though obviously Carell gets nods for doing something so different than what he is known for. The movie’s plot is quietly suspenseful, though a little slow at times, certainly a subtle film. The end is shocking and worth sticking around for.
Jons Movie Takes 