Let's just get it out in the open, Channing Tatum: not bad on the eyes.
However, his portrayal of Olympic gold medalist, Mark Schultz
in
Foxcatcher gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent as a
dramatic actor. I am used to seeing him in corny action films or silly comedies
like
21 Jump Street and
Magic Mike, however he was really able
to push his limits and give a respectable performance.
Foxcatcher was a proving ground
for Mark Ruffalo as well, and he was
sensational as Mark
Schultz’ older brother, Dave. I have never been disappointed watching him on
screen since he easily morphs into each character. For instance,
Thanks
for Sharing
is a story which follows a group of recovering sex addicts as they struggle
with daily battles against the disease. Mark Ruffalo’s character was one of the
recovering addicts; he looked hard, like he had been through the
ringer, and he held his body conveying that same message. However, in
The
Kids Are Alright, he was laid back, lackadaisical, and somewhat carefree.
And in
Foxcatcher, his eyes are the only thing that give him away as himself. The best way to describe him is as a chameleon and the only way to
understand is to go on a Mark Ruffalo movie binge.
I was also looking forward to seeing Steve Carell in a more serious
role. Carell is very well known for comedy and he is one of the best,
but it is much more interesting to see someone step out of their comfort zone.
Carell did this a bit in
Dan in Real Life and
The Way Way
Back (which
I highly recommend), but both were more “dramedies” than true “dramas”.
Based on a
sad true story, Foxcatcher is the telling of the events leading up to the
murder of Dave Schultz. It begins a few years after the
Schultz brothers both win an Olympic gold medal for wrestling in 1984. Mark
seems to live in his brother’s shadow seemingly lacking his own life; he is
insecure, simple, and reserved. Dave, a family man, is the complete reverse of
Mark; he is serious, soft spoken, and self-assured. They are night and day, but
Mark relies on and looks up to his brother as they wrestle together, practicing
for upcoming competitions. Mark is called to pay a visit to Du Pont, played by
Carell, whose mother owns Foxcatcher Farm, an equestrian training center.
Du Pont, an eclectic narcissist and mama’s boy, invites Mark to come and train
with him to prepare for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Mark moves to Foxcatcher
Farm, leaving his brother behind. After a while, Mark becomes Du Pont’s toy,
using Mark to make himself look good. After a bit of this, Mark becomes
depressed and resentful, drinking and doing drugs, rather than getting ready
for his competitions. Eventually, Dave comes to coach at Foxcatcher Farm. Dave
encourages Mark to change his lifestyle and focus on his training. Mark
realizes Du Pont has selfish motives which boils down to him leaving the farm.
Unfortunately Dave stays and eventually is murdered by John Du Pont. Just a few
short months after Dave’s passing, Mark goes on to compete in and win a
competition for the UFC.
Being extremely versatile is one factor that qualifies someone as
"talented".
Foxcatcher allows
actors who have already demonstrated their abilities in a particular field, to
stretch themselves and prove that they offer more to their craft. 7/10
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