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| Foxcatcher review |
The saga of John du Pont is one of the most bizarre and tragic stories from mid 1990. In dark and ominous Foxcatcher Bennett Miller, the episode is framed as a story of Faust real life. But the story is almost secondary to three outstanding dramatic performances - two of which are given by men who are better known for his work in other genres.
Channing Tatum plays Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz. The first time we found it, it has achieved elite status by winning a gold medal. But the achievement has not allowed him to escape the shadow of his older brother, David, also gold medalist. The youngest Schultz wants more. He wants to be the best. His last prize also does not pay the bills. After the training sessions, which are eating ramen noodles. All that changed, however, with a phone call from du Pont (Steve Carell), who offers to pay and established a training center first class on his farm in Pennsylvania.
As Schultz, billionaire du Pont is a man on a seemingly enviable position but want something bigger. Having trouble for the family of his own, as he strives to please his disapproving mother (Vanessa Redgrave). It is expected to be proud to lead a team of wrestlers gold in Seoul in 1988. But du Pont does not just want to be a benefactor. Despite being little more than an extremely wealthy fan, with only a rudimentary knowledge of the sport, who wants to be seen as a coach and mentor to his fighters. And so when Dave comes to lead his brother, jealousy develops. Dave is all du Pont wishes he could be, but it is not. He is a great teacher, a great leader. This leads to tension slowly builds towards the shocking climax of history as demons du Pont emerge.
As du Pont, Carell is almost unrecognizable under makeup and prosthetics. It is a performance in eerie silence that definitely have the audience and critics who see the comedic talents in a new light. Action / comedy star Tatum also has a forward rotation as intense and driven young Schultz growing increasingly uncomfortable under the subjugation of du Pont. As a last nominated Academy Award, outstanding representation of Mark Ruffalo for most Schultz comes as less of a surprise. But that does not make it less noticeable or transformative. The wiry Ruffalo usually filled with a lot of muscle to play Dave Schultz. Here, looks less like his alter ego Bruce Banner, the Hulk and more like himself. The three performances are a study in the art of subtlety. This is a film drama moments of silence is derived. In many key scenes are the words not say that a lot.
Foxcatcher offers themes of control and manipulation, and functions of wrestling as a good metaphor. Is that most primary sports - one that literally doubles else at will. Ultimately, however, the film is a story about two people who come to greatness, only to experience a great fall. And it is also the story of a great man caught in the middle. The saddest thing is that it actually happened.