Foxcatcher

The Eyes (and nose) of Power and Money

            Since the recent unveiling of the 2015 Academy Award nominees, there has been question of how Foxcatcher did not receive a nod for Best Picture. How can acting of this caliber mixed with such an intense and dramatic plot be overlooked? Well, there surely are a few ups and downs in Bennett Miller's (Moneyball) latest directorial project but the obvious credit belongs solely to the actors.

            When the trailer for this film first surfaced, this quote was said by all who viewed it: "Oh cool a wrestling movie... Based on a true story, that's nice... Wait. Is that Steve Carell?!"

             From the beloved Michael Scott of The Office to being a 40-year-old virgin, Steve Carell has got comedy down pat and a style that has captured multiple generations. Here is donning pounds of make-up and nominated for a Best Actor Oscar! Not only is a feat like this unbelievable but completely awesome that he pulled it off. He's a normal guy off-camera with a house and family but you still want to laugh when you see him make any kind of appearance. Except for now. Now, you may be terrified to see him in any other role. It can be said with confidence that he loses himself while totally spot on and even appalling
as multimillionaire and heir to the Du Pont empire, John E. du Pont.

             Staring into du Pont's gummy grill with a bit of nose make-up and fake cauliflower ear also is Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz. His one mission is to get out from older brother Dave's (a nominated and tremendous Mark Ruffalo) shadow and show the world he is capable of earning a gold medal, as well.

             Intensity is a word that constantly comes to mind throughout. The fluidity of Tatum and Ruffalo training on the mats together is a display all on its own. I'm sure Channing's wrestling background was a nice preparation but the grueling physical training alongside insane filming hours can change oneself and take a toll to say the least. It is a workout just to watch the tension grow as Coach du Pont's dead eyes stare motionless when he isn't given the answer he's used to. It takes special talent to have an audience scared of what can come next when the past reaction was to howl with laughter.

              The stars can only shine so bright onscreen and what dulls this beauty is another word starting with "I." Incomplete. Biopics and true stories have a tendency to jump around because usually the person has a pretty eventful life (eventful enough to be made into a movie). The original cut of Foxcatcher was 4 hours long and was eventually cut in half to 2 hours and some change. Having to cover quite a lot of time results in some lack of detail and sudden climaxes that have no leading actions. This can be viewed as just a hiccup but, after all, the Academy must've gotten wise to what was needed. Doesn't change much though when everywhere you turn there are people taking their job seriously. GRADE: 8/10