Review of Foxcatcher (2014) by Googolendtimes — 21 May 2015

"Foxcatcher" doesn't linger on some of the themes it touches upon long enough for them to register as strongly as they should. Nevertheless, this cautionary tale of the American dream, megalomania and is a haunting and compelling drama in the vein of director Bennett Miller's earlier film "Capote" that is permeated by masterful nuance and a palpable sense of dread - largely by virtue of Miller's chilled direction that uses minimalist sets and moody hues to maximal efficacy and a triage of portrayals by riveting leads - Mark Ruffalo, Steve Carell and Channing Tatum, all of whom are unrecognisable in these immersive and mesmerising performances that are in perfect sync.

Tatum is especially good, exerting mind, body and soul to convey frustration, emasculation and identity crisis in a desperately sad performance that simmers with tension - ironic considering his absence from the film's lethal climax.

Carell, on the other hand, is far more restrained. Beneath the layers of prosthetics, his is a quietly complex portrait that invites pity more than repulsion from the viewer. The scenes he shares with Vanessa Redgrave as his mother are piercing and the chemistry he has with Ruffalo and Tatum reaches razor-sharp proportions of tension - with danger to match.

And Mark Ruffalo, though arguably he has the least to do, ties the three of them together - as Tatum's gregarious, balanced older brother, he is a suitable foil to Carell's narcissism and Tatum's rage.

When all three collide, the results are devastating and unforgettable viewing and a profound testament to the talent of all involved. If I am not falling over myself to watch "Foxcatcher" again, it is because I don't need to.

It makes quite the impact the first time around.