Oscar season is upon us in the UK, many of the finest films released in the US last year are finally making their way into our cinemas this month. So, I had fairly high expectations for Foxcatcher.Foxcatcher is a film based on a true story of Olympic wrestlers Mike (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) and their strange, eery relationship with ‘coach’; John DuPont (Steve Carell).
Now I have a lot to say about this film so I’m going to get straight into it. My expectations where met with glide tidings at the start of this film, Bennett Miller’s minimalist direction surely elevates the film as a whole by choosing to focus on the extraordinary performances of Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo. Who obviously did their research on their characters by immersing themselves into the roles using specific mannerisms and projecting the intimate sounds of their voices. Channing Tatum has fully developed into a strong actor with variety, he easily steals scenes from his cast mates throughout and truly shines in scenes where he’s left alone. His attention to detail in his performance is wonderful to watch. Steve Carell treads the line of overacting in this film, however most of the film he finds himself just about on the right side by producing creepy moments with his timings, movement and delivery of lines. Mark Ruffalo is solid too as Dave, Mike’s brother but fails to glow while acting opposite Channing and Steve, however he can easily be forgiven. The cinematography is elementary and unsurprising but at points flickers with artistic potential; framed shots that could produce glorious paintings.
The problem with this movie lies in the plot, pacing and use of the three act structure. For the first half, I really did enjoy the film…but the then nothing happened. There was no real focus, the film just fizzled out and became boring. The way relationships ended was torpid and shy. I don’t mind a slow moving film, but a slow moving film that leads to nothing is more than disappointing to say the least, being a film buff I can’t imagine how mainstream audiences may react after leaving the cinema. The film forced itself into a third act that wasn’t really a third act but more a moment that had to happen, with no tease or suspense leading up I carried no emotional baggage with any of the characters and when the end of the film came I was relieved “it’s finally finished.” For me I know a film based on true story is good when I feel like I have to do my own research after wards out of pure interest, I didn’t get that with Foxcatcher.
Foxcatcher is a film that builds up to let you down, but without the build up. It’s like watching a film without an ending. It just ends, but by time it ends you don’t care anymore because the middle has lasted too long. Apart from a fantastic Oscar-nomination worthy performance from Channing Tatum. Foxcatcher was a let down for me. The kinda film I’d wait to watch on Sky Movies and would have no regrets about doing so.
Words by Eddie Snafu Michael