Thoughts on 'Foxcatcher'

Two of the most anticipated movies coming into the Oscar season of 2015 were 'Whiplash' and 'Foxcatcher.' Both films were expected to have career-defining moments for their respected actors as well as bearing similar plots around deep, ambitious goals. After already talking about 'Whiplash,' I think it is only fair to shed some light on 'Foxcatcher' too.

'Foxcatcher' is a film about wrestling, but more importantly a film about brotherhood and success. Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) were brothers who won Olympic gold in 1984. Despite both winning gold, Mark is fearful of being overshadowed by his brother. Dave has the smile, the warmth, and the sympathy that Mark Ruffalo brings off in all of his roles. As for Mark, he is physically strong but has a mind of far less substance. He looks intimidating but childlike, a super-hero yet very vulnerable. Dave is married with children. Mark never notices a woman. This dynamic leads Mark into the hands of a multimillionaire, wrestling enthusiast John du Pont (Steve Carell) who lures Mark to joining Team Foxcatcher and himself as they pursue Olympic gold in '88. The strange bond between du Pont and Mark Schultz is the core of an impressive, disturbing, and very well-acted film that never escapes being cold and claustrophobic. What ensues is an intense and emotionally captivating experience that kept me thinking about the ending and its characters to this day.

Before watching the movie I knew nothing of the story, the people, the plot; nothing. That, in my opinion, is the best way to watch this movie. I got to experience the relationship between Mark, Dave, and du Pont without any context and bias. With each scene I learned more about Mark and Dave and came to really like and appreciate their backgrounds as people. These three characters are what make this movie and without these stellar performances, it would not be what it is. Tatum and Ruffalo have this believable chemistry that felt like I was watching a real story unfold. As for Steve Carell, he excellently portrays an unstable and paranoia driven man on the brink of insanity.

From the reviews, I've read regarding the film I see a trend of "great movie, but I don't see myself watching again." I, on the other hand, completely disagree. I want to revisit this movie knowing what unfolds and see where these relationships truly start and end. I want to feel the brotherhood between Mark and Dave Schultz. Lastly, I want to come out of the movie again feeling a similar way I did on my first viewing. If you know nothing of this story and are an active cinephile, do yourself a favor and watch this movie; you will not be disappointed.