FOXCATCHER

Director Bennett Miller is once again tackling a true story in his third feature film. His past projects ‘Moneyball’ and ‘Capote’ have showcased Miller’s ability to get intimate, find truth in those unassuming moments and not shy away from the awkward and uncomfortable. From the onset of his latest accolade-grabber ‘Foxcatcher’, you’re exposed to an unsettled and uneasy feeling, with nothing quite as it should be - whether it’s the sympathy of seeing a U.S. Olympic champion struggle in borderline poverty, a brother constantly reminding his sibling of his affection without receiving it back, or an eccentric millionaire offering a desperate man the word with no apparent ulterior motive.

‘Foxcatcher’ is the true story of John du Pont (Steve Carell), a multi-millionaire who, in the 1980s, establishes a wrestling camp on his estate which he hopes to turn into the home of the USA team and create an athletic empire. John recruits World and Olympic champion Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to join his camp. Lured by a father figure and the opportunity to get out from his brother Dave’s (Mark Ruffalo) shadow, Mark jumps at the chance and a relationship and bond is immediately forged. John’s eccentricities and addictions soon take their toll on Mark and eventually their relationship leads John to also seek Dave to join the team in the lead up to the 1988 Olympics. With tensions too high and John’s mental stability wavering, everything comes to a head when in 1996 John shoots dead Dave on his own property.