More of a character study than a sports movie

Rating: 6/10 (9 March 2015)

"Foxcatcher" was one of the big players at this year's awards season. Even if it finally came short at the Oscars and did not manage a win or nomination in the most crucial category, it was counted among the year's best in writing, directing and makeup. Two more nominations went to Carell and Ruffalo (especially glad for him, loved his interview scene when he was supposed to praise du Pont) for their portrayals. Also, director Bennett won the Palme d'Or for his work here. It's difficult to say what the best feature about this movie was, but especially the makeup work on Steve Carell deserves a mention. The screenplay comes from E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman. The latter is actually more of an actor, but has also received an Oscar nomination previously for Bennett Miller's "Capote". Another mentionable achievement for Miller is that he got his lead actors Academy Award nominations for all three movies he made (including a win for PSH) and 3 more nominations in the supporting categories.
Anyway, back to this film here. The ending is really tough and even shocking if you know a bit about the story and what happened in the 1980s surrounding Team Foxcatcher and the eccentric John du Pont. If you don't know, it will probably blast you away. The by far most likable character from the film really got unlucky in the end. The center of this film are the relationships between the trio of male protagonists, but also between Carell's and Redgrave's character. How to be a good brother, a good coach, a good son etc. Tatum's character has always been in the shadow of his very successful older brother and when he finally finds a mentor who says his brother's time is over and it's the younger Schultz' time to shine, he is very delighted. As du Pont quickly changes his opinion and gets Ruffalo's character to Team Foxcatcher, the relationship between the younger brother and his mentor is irreparably damaged.
You could probably argue if Carell is lead here. To me, Tatum is the only true lead in this movie, but you could probably also make an argument for Carell as he is not as supporting as Ruffalo, especially as a big part of the film is about his relationship with his mother. Redgrave's quote about being low is maybe the most memorable from the film. It's funny in an embarrassing way how du Pont obviously bought wrestling events for over 50-year-olds in order to participate and be gifted the win, then let himself be celebrated like a hero. He may like the sport of wrestling, but all his involvement with it really only comes from his wealth. Away from him, the connection between the two brothers is extremely interesting. There is one scene in which Dave slaps Mark, then hugs him afterward. There is another scene when du Pont slaps Mark and then leaves right away. Good parallel here and we realize who the younger brother's true friend is.
I don't know if I would go so far and say this is one of the best films of the year, but it's a pretty good movie with three (to four) strong performances. I'm not interested at all into wrestling, but it's really only the frame of the story (like baseball in Miller's "Moneyball"). I have to say though that I sometimes had difficulties to make out who is who when Tatum's character fought in the ring.