Foxcatcher

****
UK Release Date: January 9th 2015

The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances. (www.imdb.com)

Director: Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball)

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller

Foxcatcher, from the moment it opens its doors, is hard to watch. The pace is slow, and the camera lingers uncomfortably on shots for long periods of time. The acting, though, is remarkably compelling. Steve Carell's du Pont will keep your eyes glued to the screen at all times. He's an intricate man whose troubled past has shaped him into a very complex character. Carrell throws out the comedy for drama with a stunning performance that will never be forgotten. He uses money to buy happiness. He pretends, or believes (I don't think we can be sure, Carell's acting is of a certain magnitude that keeps us guessing) he's the head coach of the Foxcatcher olympic wrestling team and strives for the attention of its team members. Brothers Mark (Tatum) and David (Ruffalo) are the main two he seeks the approval and attention of. Mark falls under his spell, and becomes manipulated by his wise choice of words, but David sees that there's more to him than meets the eye. Actions speak volumes and the dialogue is minimal. Initially David and Mark's relationship is hard to judge, as the opening scene has them wrestling, and only wrestling. The grappling is mixed with respect and love for each other, something that du Pont later envies. Foxcatcher isn't an easy watch; you'll cringe, you'll feel awkward and you'll definitely leave feeling shocked.
 
4/5