"Foxcatcher" isn't a film about trapping animals, but it is captivating, and in its own way extremely wild. Based on a true story involving Olympic wrestlers, an heir to a great fortune, and a smouldering conflict that soon caught fire, this is a challenging-yet-rewarding film with some impeccable performances.
This is the one with Steve Carell wearing a funny nose, right?
Yeah, that's the one. It also stars Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. In fact, if there's three things to recommend about the film, it's these actors. Performance-wise the film is incredible, with each actor stretching in ways that put them all at the top of their game.
Carell's quiet sociopathy is riveting, and he portrays John du Pont with an unsettling air that's intoxicating. That snout he wears may be costume affectation, but it gives his face just the right amount of arrogant aloofness to give the film its core tonality.
Tatum and Ruffalo play brothers, and their first scene together is them physically grappling in an empty training room. The sound of slaps and sheer physicality of their movements immediately presents their shared passions and relative strengths. Tatum has been terrific in many films, but he's just aces here, bringing to Mark Schultz a mix of bewilderment and fierceness required for his arc. Then there's Ruffalo, an actor that has been in plenty of extraordinary works, and plenty that are unfortunately forgettable. In a film where it's all about subtlety and proficiency of performance, Ruffalo rises above by doing in some ways even less. It's brilliant stuff from all three, but if push comes to shove (as it does many times throughout the film), then he may well be the most impressive turn from this great cast.
So, awards bait then?
Well, no, not simply that. But as implausibly as it may be at this stage, I'll predict Oscar nominations for all three, and they're all very well-deserved. After all, it took another Bennett Miller film to give another fine character actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, his Best Acting trophy.
Bennett who?
It's probably not a surprise that Miller's name doesn't jump to mind quickly, but he's quietly built up quite the filmography. After an experimental debut doc called "The Cruise," Miller came out with "Capote" in 2005, which garnered PSH his golden naked man statue. Bennett himself was also nominated but lost to Ang Lee, and the film (and several other reasonable contenders) lost to Paul Haggis' "Crash," a fact which many consider one of the worst Academy decisions in its history.
In 2011, Miller directed "Moneyball," which also showcased some stellar turns by a great cast.
"Foxcatcher" shows us more of the same -- deliberate pacing, quiet but confident performances, a stark palate and a richly textured storyline. "Moneyball" also got nominations for its cast, and scored a Best Picture nod, even if Miller himself didn't take up one of the nomination slots himself.
After a solid debut at Cannes and a warm reception on the festival circuit (including a bow at the Toronto International Film Festival last September) it's fair to say that "Foxcatcher" may be the third Best Pic contender for Miller.
So, what's it about?
Well, there's the rub. This is a true story (I'll even give you that it's a true crime story), but really it's about character, class, and quiet moments of intimate drama. I think it's actually to the film's benefit that you don't know too much of it going in, and even the trailers should ideally be avoided.
You're not making me want to see it.
Yeah, I get that. Still, this film feels kind of fragile in a weird way, and it's one of those "trust me, go see it" times I try not to overuse. It's a super laconic tale, told with incredible artistry but using a pace that some may feel dull, and a conclusion that is deliberately anti-cathartic. The film does some remarkable things in terms of how it showcases certain events, keeping even from the audience motivations (or entire conversations) away from us. It's a film that makes you feel like you're reluctantly invited, and it's a decidedly off-putting feeling.
For those that want everything spelled out for you, this film certainly isn't for you. But for those looking for a bit more of a challenge, delving a bit deeper into character rather than plot, and if you're interested in seeing some supreme performances by an ace cast, then "Foxcatcher" may well be something you should check out.
"Foxcatcher" is now playing in theatres.
{C}
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