Grade: A-

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2015)

Foxcatcher is an interesting examination of human psychology and male dominance. With a cast of actors who are known for lending comedic talents far more often than anything else, it was easy to get buzz early on about the film, but would it pay off?
The movie begins with a very clear message; Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), an Olympic wrestling champion, has nothing. He has gotten to the top, and doesn't know what to do with himself anymore. On top of that, he is living in his brother's shadow (played by Mark Ruffalo). His brother actually has a life after the Olympics- he has a family to take care of, he is more social, and he owns a wrestling gym. Mark, on the other hand, only has wrestling. So when he gets a call from John du Pont, it's a chance for Mark to step into the spotlight again.
Steve Carell is the one to see in this movie; his role is transformative, both physically and psychologically. It is rare to see a character with so many different complexes- blind patriotism, mother issues, fame- and Steve Carell does it so well, almost all behaviorally. His facial expressions, despite being rather minimalist, speak volumes. He has his nose high in the air much of the film, and does impulsive, violent things. What's scary is that he seems in control at all times, though we go on to see that mentally, he is not in control, just fighting for it.
Even though he gives the best performance in the film, and his career-best, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo also give great performances. Channing Tatum, much like Steve Carell, relies more on physical acting than anything else. His character puts himself through a lot of pain to get to the top, and it clearly has an effect on him, but he doesn't want to vocalize it. He doesn't want to depend on anybody, but he falls for du Pont as soon as he gets the call, and the story begins to weave a dark web of dependency.
Enter Mark Ruffalo, Mark's brother, the established family man and wrestling champion, who begins to see what is happening to his brother Mark. He wants to look out for him, he wants to make sure his brother is taken care of, but he knows something is off with du Pont, and it might cost his family to save his brother. He tries to hang it all in the balance. Mark Ruffalo is fantastic in the role, and has transformed so much physically for the role. David Schultz is a man we can respect, and we fear for him, because he may be in a little bit over his head.
The movie relies so much on the strength of its performances that, sadly, it doesn't offer much else. The movie is so restrained, so much invested in the psychology of its players, that you'll be left remembering the characters, but walk away having learned nothing. Films don't need to teach a lesson or message, but there doesn't seem to be much communicated in the screenplay. It is simply a story of three men who want different things, and will do almost anything to get it.
The movie features a crisp look, but is pretty straightforward in its shooting. It fit the style, and the wrestling scenes in particular are intimately shot, paralleling the sport itself. The colors of the film are very overcast and grim, creating a darkly suffocating feeling. The editing of the film does its job, but considering the length of the movie, there are lots of little moments, and probably even some scenes, that could have been cut. At two hours and nine minutes, it feels overlong when there's little story pushing the movie in any particular direction.
Foxcatcher is well done in most aspects, and the acting is some of the strongest this year, but overall, the movie is slightly underwhelming itself. See it for the actors. See it for the characters. When you leave, that's all you remember about the movie. It's a good effort that needed just a little bit more focus.