FOXCATCHER (2015)

 

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 2:14
Cast: Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave
Director: Bennett Miller
Screenplay: E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman


"The father figure is something I love, but also suffocate from and want to work against." Ang Lee

FOXCATCHER is not your typical inspirational sports movie. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's a dark drama which explores the effects of isolation, the search for significance and the absence of a strong father figure on human nature. What's really disturbing about this film is that it's based on true events. Although the setting is based on the Olympic sports of wrestling, but the narrative focuses more on the relationship among the principals' played by Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. Carell plays Mr Du Pont, one the wealthiest man in America - and I must say, he deserved to be nominated as Best Actor this year. At times, the shoddy make-up was a little distracting but nevertheless, "Carell the comedian" completely disappeared into his character here. He is pathetic, awkward and unpredictable - a coiled serpent waiting to strike. In fact, Foxcatcher's main draw is its dreadful atmosphere - the whole time, I felt that something bad is going to happen anytime. And that's a testament to great filmmaking. Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo are equally solid here. Those looking for a feel-good sports movie about an underdog who overcomes all odds is recommended to look elsewhere as this is a very mysterious but fascinating psychological study on the warped side of human beings. 

Rating: 8/10