Review of Foxcatcher (2014) by David P — 26 Feb 2015

I booked tickets to see Foxcatcher just the other day, but I actually knew nothing about the film's plot. I'd only seen the posters for the film which don't give much away, but I did know that Steve Carell starred in it, wearing a heap of special effect makeup rendering him near unrecognisable and that he was up for an Oscar. What the?? I had to see this.

I quickly realised that the film is about two brothers who are Olympic gold medalist wrestlers. The better of the two, Dave, is played by Mark Ruffalo and is a mentor and and coach to Mark (Channing Tatum). But Mark feels that he is living in Dave's shadow and when Carell's millionaire, John du Pont calls on him to train for his team he jumps at it. First of all the performances in this movie are just amazing. The three main roles are played so well that you won't even think of the actors when you think of these characters. I forgot that Steve Carell was even in this movie towards the end because he isn't playing 'Steve Carell' like he nearly always does. And Ruffalo and Tatum even hold themselves differently, like a wrestler would, walking with a wide berth as to create a higher centre of gravity. Ruffalo in particular always looks nimble on his feet even when not wrestling and holds his hands out in front in a battle ready position involuntarily. Little things like this are what win Oscars. Carell and Ruffalo are nominated this year but I am appalled to find that Tatum isn't. Arguably, I thought he was the strongest of the lot and feel like he has really missed out here.

Now performances aside, Foxcatcher isn't too bad as a film. The story is interesting enough and getting a peek at this world of wrestling was nice, it always seemed like a bit of nerdy sport to me, even though you have to be an oaf to really make it anywhere in it. Go figure, it must be those leotards. But I do feel like somethings in the script needed to be strengthened, especially towards the end, things just sort of escalate and I didn't get the payoff I wanted. I know this is based on a true story, but if some of the relationships were explored a little more I think the film's final scenes would be a bit more effective. Mark is furious for most of the movie, and you feel like it is building to something big, like he's going to explode, but nothing really happens. And Carell plays du Pont like he is physically ill, but nothing is ever said about it. He is definitely mentally ill, that comes across just fine.

In the end, Foxcatcher is just typical Oscar bait. The film has a lack of flavour that is typical of award seeking movies. Slow and drab, which isn't always a bad things and it actually works for this movie, but I could imagine a comedy version of this starring Will Ferrell as the wresting coach that I'm sure would be hilarious. But for obvious reasons wouldn't work for this true story. Foxcatcher has some great performances and characters, but the script doesn't seem to get it's priorities right and it is way too long. But if you are trying to catch up on all your Oscar nominated films go see this in cinemas. If you can find one, I had to drive to Brisbane to see it! And if you want to hear more about my thoughts on this film, we will be talking about it on our next episode of Fish and Connor Saw a Movie podcast this coming Wednesday!

3/5.

'I consider us friends and most of.

My friends call me eagle or golden eagle' - John du Pont.