Foxcatcher (2014)

Genre: Bographical

Directed by: Bennett Miller

Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo

Running time: 134 minutes

This 2014 biographical sports crime drama is loosely based on the story of Olympic wrestlers, Mark and Dave Schulz, who were hired by philanthropist John E. du Pont to coach a team of wrestlers and prepare them for competition. Dave Schultz was then shot and killed by du Pont.

The first think to say here is that Steve Carell was brilliant as John E. du Pont. His whole physiognomy was transformed. Everything, from his words to his facial expressions and his way of walking, made you forget about the actor at work. He makes you believe it, and you cannot help being absorbed by this character and his silent kind of menace. You know there is something boiling underneath and you know it will be ugly when it comes out. As funny as Carell can be, he can also portray darkness in a fascinating way.

Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum are also very good in their own rights, but their performances pale in comparison to Carell’s.

Storytelling-wise, I felt like Foxcatcher had a few holes that should have been filled a little better, but, overall, it is a very good film about a truly tragic story.

Rating: ««««