Performances Performances Performances

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2014)

Foxcatcher is a slow burn. In fact it's a really slow paced film, but at no point was I bored. That is because I think this film may be the single best acted film of the year. It's a shame that all 3 of the leads will likely be left out come Oscar night. Not only does Steve Carell give an uncharacteristically chilling performance, but Channing Tatum is an absolute revelation.
Without reading too much about this film and the stunning events that unravel, you can tell from the trailers that it's a pretty tragic tale. It's about two brothers who are world class wrestlers but are unable to make the next step to Olympic greatness without the resources needed. Here's where the ever-so-creepy John Du Pont comes in and gives them a home, wealth, and the training necessary to win gold. The question then becomes why does this man care so much about these kids to spend tremendous amounts of time and money. Well the answer is that this man is just crazy. Or just strange for that matter. Carell's voice makes the character that much more disturbing. Du Pont completely changes the way Mark Shultz (Tatum) looks at life. In a way he brainwashes all these kids to do things his way and only his way.
The most understated part of this film was Mark Ruffalo. Both the writing and his delivery of the subtle lines are just impeccable. His arc is both depressing and eye opening. A man this devoted and this engraved in his craft should never have to go through some of that stuff. With that being said I don't think anyone goes through more than Tatum's character. There is a particular scene where he is freaking out in his hotel room and pretty much hitting rock bottom. That's when I saw the once joke of an actor turn into an Academy Award level performer. You can see his dedication to this role in the pain he puts himself through in just that scene alone.
Sure, the film can be a really slow freight train at times but it's material gets more interesting as the film progresses. And the performances are just perfect all around.
+Tatum is a revelation
+Carell's transformation
+Ruffalo's understated performance
+Direction & writing
-Can be really slow at times
8.1/10