Film Review: Foxcatcher

BY PAUL DALEY | January 18th 2015

I bet not many film reviews begin by applauding the skills of the make up team who have transformed the acting talents in this movie. So let’s begin by giving credit to those often underappreciated souls whose collective talents add to the value of this film.

You spend the first half of Foxcatcheramazed by the transformations. From being trim and toned for his role inMagic Mike, Channing Tatum has morphed into the ‘incredible bulk’ for his character, the Olympic champion wrestler Mark Shultz. And before you can become too engrossed in Tatum’s performance, Steve Carrell totally reinvented himself to become John DuPont, the self-styled ‘Golden Eagle’ coach of the Foxcatcher wrestling team.

Foxcatcher is the true story of DuPont and his ultimately fatal obsession with Mark Shultz and his brother Dave, who are both champion wrestlers. DuPont, one of America’s richest men, invested huge amounts of his personal fortune to form his own wrestling team. The tragedy in this obsession is that it leads to him shooting and killing Dave Shultz in a jealous rage.

On the surface, this is a case of a single white millionaire lavishing his millions on his beloved sport of wrestling, and the complicated relationship with his prized champions. But beneath the surface, it is a far deeper, darker and far more thoughtful movie. It’s rooted in family, and the bonds that entwine them on all levels. From the controlling and manipulative John DuPont still craving acceptance from his mother – a vintage cameo performance from Vanessa Redgrave – to his twisted love for his protegé Mark Shultz and his resentment of the bond between the brothers, whose own relationship becomes strained by Dave’s reluctance to uproot his family and join his sibling in the Foxcatcher team.

Dave Shultz is played by Mark Ruffalo, who is another fine addition to this ensemble cast. His calm, reflective performance is a masterclass in understated acting. His commitment to the role sees him adopt a bulky squat frame, which blends perfectly into the mood of the film. However, it is Tatum and Carrell who have made all the headlines for this movie. Carrell, more renowned for his comedic talents, plays this role with a totally straight bat. Absorbing the nuances of the DuPont character completely, he never drops his commitment level to this role. Despite his character having strong comic overtones, he rejects the opportunity to play it for laughs.

For Carrell, it definitely is a breakout role, and makes him a serious contender for lots of awards. This is a performance that deserves its commendations. He breathes life into a strange, awkward character, and his physical transformation is amazing to say the least. While Carrell’s performance is a joy to watch, to me, it is Channing Tatum as the lumbering ox of a man Mark Shultz, that truly is the standout performance. Playing the Punch drunk wrestler, his mental capacity apparently slowed from one too many head locks, Tatum has produced a totally believable character.

He has created a slow lurching monster of a man. Perhaps he took character tips from Sylvester Stallone’s early Rocky movies, or more recently, Mickey Rourke’s Oscar-winning turn in The Wrestler.But this takes nothing away from Channing Tatum; this will be a long remembered performance. Credit should also be given to the acting talents of Sienna Miller. As Ruffalo’s wife she is unrecognisable. Hidden behind a mop of hair and oversized glasses,  she’s certainly not their to add glamour; she gives a solid supportive performance that enhances her reputation as a very talented actress.

Based on a true story, Foxcatchermay be a dark tragic tale, but the truth can often be more fascinating than fiction, which makes this movie worth seeing.