Foxcatcher Review: Stunning Performances from Carell and Tatum

 

When you think of intense drama and the actors that star in them, one of the first that does NOT come to mind is funnyman Steve Carell.

 

Carell is known for being the awkward, bumbling, sometimes idiotic character in most if not all of his movies. Sure, one could easily argue that with Dan in Real Life and especially Little Miss Sunshine, he is capable of pulling off a serious performance.

 

However, those two latter films were also comedies. We've never really seen Carell take on a performance that does a complete 180 from his usual roles that he takes on.

 

Enter Foxcatcher, the latest film from director Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball). The film tells the true story of billionaire John E. Du Pont (Carell), an eccentric billionaire who decides to help train former Olympic medalist Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) in wrestling. Mark's brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo) later joins Mark to help train him as well as Team Foxcatcher. In January of 1996, while Mark is training for a comeback, du Pont murders Mark and is sent to prison.

 

**NOTE: While I usually would consider this a spoiler, in this case I'm allowing it because it actually happened in real life.

 

This is a type of character that we have clearly never seen Carell play before. I was interested to see if he was able to pull this off after hearing the heaps of praise he and the film received at Cannes this past year.

 

After watching the film, it's clear to see why Carell and the rest of the film are receiving tons of praise. The film is extremely well done, bolstered by strong performances from the two main leads.

 

Carell is terrifying to watch. He makes du Pont seem much more of an eccentric, lonely recluse. All he wants to do is be accepted among friends and be respected, rather than spend so much time with his mother (Vanessa Redgrave). You're on edge whenever he comes on screen, as you are unsure what he will do next. Yet at the same time, you also sympathize with the character, as you wish he could have some semblance of a normal life with actual friends.

 

The other knockout star of the film? Channing Tatum. This film basically proved to me that Tatum has the capability to actually act. This is easily the most vulnerable I ever seen him in, as his character just yearns for the glory days and easily buys into the things du Pont tells him. His relationship with his brother Dave (Ruffalo, in a very subtle and quiet performance) is also very well explored, as you can see Mark want to be the greatest wrestler, but feels bogged down by being in Dave's shadow, while Dave just wants to see Mark succeed.

 

Similarly, the bond between du Pont and Mark is equally as fascinating to watch. You see Mark get suckered by du Pont's words of patriotism and success. Mark doesn't want to let down du Pont, as he sees him as a friend and father figure. It's due to Carell and Tatum's strong performances that this relationship is so great to watch.

 

On a technical level, the film looks great. The cinematography done by Greig Fraiser as well as the direction by Miller is fantastic, as there are some really interesting camera shots, particularly when Mark is wrestling his opponent. it feels as if the camera blurs in and out of our vision of him, giving us an up and close view to the action.

 

Overall, Foxcatcher is an excellent, well-made film, bolstered by strong performances from both Steve Carell and Channing Tatum. However, as a warning, the film is VERY dour, especially at the end. If you're looking for an inspirational sports movie with a hopeful end, you won't find it. However, if you want to see some great acting mixed with a well done story, you've come to the right place.

Grade: A-