In the 1980s, on his way to becoming a legend in the wrestling world, Mark Schultz is lured to Foxcatcher farm. What unfolds is unpredicted and tragic.
Based on a true story, Foxcatcher tells the psychological, thrilling tale of the strange relationship between John du Pont (Steve Carell) and the Schultz brothers; Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave (Mark Ruffalo). With macabre moments and tense twists, this film will have you gritting your teeth on the edge of your seat.
The frosty, frigid setting is depicted excellently by cinematographer Greig Fraser and does the plot justice. Foxcatcher farm, which was said to have contained the world’s finest wrestling equipment at the time, is portrayed as eerie and isolated. This is a mirror image of its heir, John du Pont, who shuffles around and bathes in his parents’ fortune. The usually comic actor Steve Carell is unrecognisable under the prosthetics used to achieve the facial features of the real Du Pont. From when the actor first appears on screen to his last debut, he pulls off the demeanour and stance of his character extremely well. Thus, landing him with the nomination for Best Actor in the Academy Awards along with many other awards. His performance of the mentally insane man leaves viewers lost for words as they witness the character’s unforeseen actions.
The story told is one that begins with sibling rivalry. Mark, feeling overshadowed by older brother and fellow wrestler Dave, accepts a generous offer given by du Pont to join the Foxcatcher team. Du Pont wishes to buy Dave also but is unsuccessful due to Dave’s settlement with his family. Mark is elated when first shown his new chalet and the top-class facilities. He soon settles in which leads to achievements but also losses and misbehaviours.
Unaware of what was to unfold, Mark convinces Dave to move with his family and join Foxcatcher. The pair’s praise for their leader soon becomes forced and scripted as friendships fail and they begin to discover more about the man behind the beak-like nose. The ending comes with a sickening shock but is coldly imminent. The film, being bleak and thrilling throughout, leaves you shell-shocked and curious.