Foxcatcher Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Wealthy weirdo buys some wrestlers to impress his mom, and things get tragically awkward; wrestling ensues…mostly psychological.

🍿 Foxcatcher: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Mark Schultz and His Struggles

Mark Schultz, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, feels overshadowed by his older brother, Dave, who is also an Olympic champion. He struggles with living in his brother’s shadow, a lack of financial resources, and a sense of unfulfillment despite his achievements. Mark’s initial struggles set the stage for his vulnerability to John du Pont’s manipulative influence.

John du Pont’s Offer and Mark’s Descent

Eccentric millionaire John du Pont invites Mark to train at his state-of-the-art Foxcatcher facility, offering him financial support and a chance to train for the 1988 Olympics. Mark accepts, lured by the promise of escaping his brother’s shadow and achieving greater success. However, du Pont’s erratic behavior and hidden motives begin to negatively impact Mark’s training and mental state.

Dave’s Arrival and the Shifting Dynamics

As du Pont’s influence becomes increasingly destructive, Dave joins Mark at Foxcatcher to help his brother and stabilize the training environment. However, du Pont grows fixated on Dave, envious of his natural leadership and wrestling abilities. The dynamic shifts as du Pont attempts to assert control and undermine the brothers’ relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John du Pont (Steve Carell): An eccentric, wealthy multi-millionaire with underlying psychological issues who seeks respect and control through Olympic wrestling.
• Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum): An Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler who is lured into John du Pont’s world with promises of training and financial support.
• David Schultz (Mark Ruffalo): Mark’s older brother and fellow Olympic wrestler, who is grounded and becomes wary of du Pont’s influence.
• Jean du Pont (Vanessa Redgrave): John du Pont’s disapproving and aristocratic mother who is critical of his wrestling endeavors.
• Nancy Schultz (Sienna Miller): Dave’s supportive wife and mother to their children, who is uprooted by their move to Foxcatcher and ultimately faces tragedy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John du Pont: “Coach is the father. Coach is a mentor. Coach has great power on athlete’s life.” – Du Pont articulates his perceived role in an athlete’s life, highlighting his desire for control and influence.
• John du Pont: “I’m an ornithologist, a philatelist, a historian… and a wrestling coach.” – Du Pont lists his supposed accomplishments to impress others, showcasing his delusion of grandeur and need for validation.
• Jean du Pont: “Wrestling is a low sport.” – John du Pont’s mother expresses her disapproval of his interest in wrestling, underscoring her snobbery and lack of acceptance.
• John du Pont: “Are you filming?” – Du Pont would ask this unexpectedly as he became more detached from reality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,096,300
• Worldwide Gross: $19,206,513

💥 Foxcatcher Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by ‘Foxcatcher.’ The acting is phenomenal, especially Steve Carell. His transformation into John du Pont is chilling. The film’s slow pace perfectly builds the tension. The wrestling scenes feel so raw and real. It’s a tough movie to watch because it’s so tragic, but it’s also incredibly well-made. The ending is haunting; it stayed with me for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People interested in stories about sports and mental health”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum give superb performances in Bennett Miller’s powerfully disturbing true-crime saga. The film captures a haunting and unforgettable tale of ambition, manipulation, and tragic consequences.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Carell’s performance is career-changing; a brilliant, understated portrayal of a complex and disturbed individual. Miller’s direction is masterful, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
• Indiewire: “Foxcatcher is a slow-burning character study that delves into the minds of two men longing to find greatness. Channing Tatum’s versatility continues to amaze, as well as Steve Carrell’s disturbing yet complex character

Audience Reactions

The performances are captivating, especially Carell’s transformation.: The actors fully embody the characters in the film, especially the slow-burn and steady descent into madness.

The film really makes you feel uncomfortable and anxious, in a good way.: The story creates a constant buildup of tension throughout.

Overall Consensus: ‘Foxcatcher’ is a disturbing but compelling character study with exceptional performances that offers a glimpse into a tragic story.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Director)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve Carell underwent significant makeup and prosthetics to transform into John du Pont, including a large prosthetic nose that altered his appearance drastically.”
• “Director Bennett Miller aimed for a realistic and subdued atmosphere on set. Steve Carell was encouraged to maintain character even off-screen, and there was a general lack of joking or socializing between takes.”
• “Mark Schultz initially disliked the film and the portrayal of his relationship with Du Pont, publicly expressing his displeasure before eventually retracting his statements and praising the film.”
• “The wrestling scenes were meticulously choreographed to appear authentic, with Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo undergoing extensive training to realistically portray Olympic wrestlers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Foxcatcher?

Foxcatcher is available for streaming purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability on cable VOD services. For physical copies, retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores offer Blu-ray and DVD versions.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Foxcatcher, you might like these similar films:

• Capote (2005): Directed by Bennett Miller, Capote shares a similar focus on character study and true crime, exploring the complex relationship between the titular character and a criminal.
• Moneyball (2011): Another Bennett Miller film, Moneyball explores the drive for success and the unconventional methods employed to achieve it, mirroring the themes in Foxcatcher.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Features a similarly intense exploration of ambition, obsession, and the dark side of the American Dream.
• Warrior (2011): Centred around MMA fighting, Warrior shares the sport theme. Explores family dynamics and the intense drive for victory.

🛒 Foxcatcher Related Products

• Foxcatcher (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray with bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother’s Murder, John du Pont’s Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold: Mark Schultz’s harrowing memoir that inspired the movie. Get the full story behind the events depicted in the film, told from Schultz’s perspective.
• USA Wrestling T-Shirt: Show your support for American wrestling with this official USA Wrestling t-shirt. High-quality material and design.
• WWE 2K24: Step into the ring with the latest WWE 2K game, featuring realistic graphics, gameplay, and a deep roster of wrestlers. Wrestlemania Edition includes extra content!

🎧 Soundtrack

Foxcatcher features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “St. Stephen” – performed by Grateful Dead

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John E du Pont video Foxcatcher Farm – 1988

Want to know more about the eccentric millionaire behind the ‘Foxcatcher’ events? Check out this fascinating 1988 video of John du Pont himself!

Kurt Angle on the Murder of Dave Schultz by John du Pont (Foxcatcher)

Dive into the Foxcatcher story with Kurt Angle! In this interview, he unravels the details of Dave Schultz’s murder and the role of John du Pont.

Dave Schultz murder by John du Pont news breaks Jan 26-29 1996 Foxcatcher story

Go back in time to the aftermath of Dave Schultz’s murder. This news coverage will transport you to the heart of the tragedy, providing a raw and unfiltered perspective on the events that transpired.

✨ Rate