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 ...more
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 dependent on him for approval. Though initially supportive, du Pont's mercurial personality turns and he begins to lure Mark into an unhealthy lifestyle that threatens to undermine his training. Soon du Pont's erratic behavior and cruel psychological game-play begin to erode the athlete's already shaky self-esteem. Meanwhile du Pont becomes fixated on Dave, who exudes the confidence both he and Mark lack, knowing that these are things even his money cannot buy. Fueled by du Pont's increasing paranoia less
Verdict
“Foxcatcher is thrilling, chilling and everything in between! ”
I am a big fan of Steve Carell. Be it The Office, Anchorman or the 40 year old Virgin, so when he sets out to do something different, I am excited. With all the rave reviews, I ran like an excited kid to watch this. Alas, I came out slightly bored with this slow film,
Pros:
1. John Du Pont's story itself is superb. A man suffering from some really weird issues but with lots of money, on paper its a brilliant idea.
2. Performances, 2 of which really stand out for me, Steve Carell & Mark Ruffalo. If it wasnt for Whiplash, Ruffalo would have been a serious contender.
3. The world the film is set in & the journey of Mark Schultz.
4. A chilling final twist, the best part of the film.
Cons:
1. The pacing of the film is completely off. Similar to the director's Moneyball, which though critically acclaimed, didnt work for me.
2. The emotion of the film, which just doesnt come through & hold you.
3. The agonizingly long runtime.
4. Some scenes are more out of the directors self-indulgence than film requirement.
To sum it up, this one doesnt add up. A cracking story on paper translates to a mediocre cinema experience, leaving you bored, sleepy & wondering how this ones an Oscar runner.