Review of Foxcatcher (2014) by Tr J — 10 Mar 2015

The film takes wfar too long to reach a point where the dramatic tension escalates in what is only passable as a "psychological thriller". But we get more than our fill of the deeply introverted Mark Schultz as a world-class wrestler who has always depended heavily on his brother for coaching and friendship, as well as wealthy John DuPont, who is clearly delusional and uses his family money to buy what he could never achieve on his own merits.

DuPont tries to represent himself as a wrestling coach when he knows nothing about wrestling or coaching. Gradually, an intense jealousy and conflict develops as it becomes evident that the brother, Dave, is superior at both coaching and mentoring his brother and other wrestlers, roles DuPont badly wants.

There may be an undercurrent of homosexual tension in the plot as well, but the whole deranged dynamic between these main players can't help but end badly, and does. The acting is good overall, and disturbing qualities build somewhat later in the movie.

I think the pacing and plot development could have used more than a nudge--maybe a hip throw to the mat.