
Foxcatcher
2014, Drama/Crime, 2h 14m
249 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A chilling true crime drama, Foxcatcher offers Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum a chance to shine -- and all three of them rise to the challenge. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Show all servicesFoxcatcher Videos
Foxcatcher Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
John du Pont
Mark Schultz
Dave Schultz
Jean du Pont
Nancy Schultz
Jack
News & Interviews for Foxcatcher
Critic Reviews for Foxcatcher
All Critics (249) | Top Critics (81) | Fresh (217) | Rotten (32)
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While the acting is mostly impressive, the ending of the film leaves much to be desired as screenwriters E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman's script simply flutters to a close without much of an impact.
September 1, 2017 | Rating: B- | Full Review… -
In the back hour, the music quietly turns the screws, and Miller stops letting the air in, and I realized that a knot had formed in my chest.
June 18, 2016 | Full Review… -
[Miller] is equally adept at portraying the peculiarities of wrestling here, and how those physical moves -- beautifully choreographed and executed -- sync with deeper psychological currents.
December 11, 2015 | Full Review… -
It imitates deliberately the pace of wrestling where nothing happens for ages, bar imperceptible shuffling and nudging, until suddenly someone wins.
January 16, 2015 | Full Review… -
It is, in many ways, beautifully made, giving its scenes the time to unfold, holding its shots patiently, showing, not telling. And the performances live up to this approach.
January 9, 2015 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Tatum is on searing form, and Carrell really knocks it out of the park with his first straight dramatic role.
January 9, 2015 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Foxcatcher
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Aug 28, 2017A story that's tragic at the outset, told by professionals at their craft literally reaching for new heights, makes for exhilarating filmmaking of the highest quality beyond a shadow of a doubt. As some might note, the pace seems slow, but in retrospect the simmer brings forth fully formed human drama. Carell, Tatum and Ruffalo very nearly seem to race to give the best performance and you as judge will be as perplexed as I as to who in fact might have won.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Aug 15, 2017Foxcatcher is described as an "electrifying thriller", but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Based on the true events of John du Pont forming a wrestling team with the Schultz brothers for the 1988 Olympic Games. It's a story of both power and control, as the struggle for constant authority creates tension and paranoia within the team. This eventuality leads to an unforeseen tragic event. Foxcatcher is what I would class as an interesting character study, on both Mark Schultz and John du Pont. The constant desire for victory and the goals for patriotism. Du Pont having unlimited money, can do pretty much whatever he wishes. That in itself is control, but yet seemingly he consistently loses that authoritative presence to Dave Schultz. Was really interesting to watch. Transformative performances for both Channing Tatum and Steve Carell really aided is portraying their characters realistically. Both of them were outstanding and deserved every recognition they got. Their physical prowess was extraordinary. Mark Ruffalo was consistent yet again, however Vanessa Redgrave was criminally underused. The wrestling scenes that they actually contributed in were well filmed and exciting to watch. It's not a sport I'm familiar with, but I've taken down some notes...y'know, in case I need to decimate a thug or something. Bennett Miller's direction was very precise, he took his time with the plot and the long static camera shots evidently showed that. This leads me to the massive negative of the film: pacing. This was slow. Far too slow. 134 minutes of character development that leads to a 1 minute event at the end. Although, that final event was executed to perfection and full of tension. However, I can see why people dislike the pace. Intriguingly, the execution of the dialogue was at a snail's pace as well! Waiting for Carell to say a sentence takes about 2 minutes. Sure it's captivating if you truly focus, but for those who actually don't have any interest in this will surely fall asleep. An "electrifying thriller" it is not, but a very well executed character study it is.Luke A Super Reviewer
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Apr 16, 2017The two words that encapsulate the whole of Foxcatcher: bleak and bizarre. Based on the true story about a man who is taken under the wing of an eccentric wrestling enthusiast wielding the power of his heritage and the old money that comes with it. The first thing you'll notice is how bleak it all is: from the color palette to the people the actors bring into this utterly depressing Pennsylvania farm. Steve Carell shatters expectations, nailing the mannerisms and look (virtually unrecognizable) of John du Pont. The most impressive part of this performance is how uncomfortable Carell makes you feel while watching him. Overshadowed in character and in performance by Mark Ruffalo (who I think was overrated in this film) is Channing Tatum. Like Carell, it's the best performance of his career, hands down. My biggest qualm with Foxcatcher is the creative decision to focus on everything but du Pont's psychology and the downward spiral that's caused by it. The reason this story is famous is because of what du Pont did, and the reasons behind his motive were only explored on a basic and surface level. This makes the twist at the end feel more random than shocking. I'd recommend watching the Netflix documentary "Team Foxcatcher" as a companion piece to get a more accurate interpretation of the illness that drove du Pont to end his career and destroy his reputation. Otherwise, Foxcatcher is a movie filled with high-caliber performances from actors who will take you by surprise, and is a beautifully photographed American tragedy.Kevin M Super Reviewer
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Mar 12, 2017Oddly neutral and lifeless retelling of the events surrounding the Foxcatcher wrestling team of the 80s. The acting is top notch and takes the film through some slow parts, but its almost documentary style keeps the viewer at a distance to the characters and the events. Even the shocking and tragic ending keeps you somewhat unimpressed, but at least it gets you curious about the real persons and events behind this. The acting performances stand out.Jens S Super Reviewer
Foxcatcher Quotes
John du Pont: | Ornithologist, Philatelist, Philanthropist. |
Mark Schultz: | I just don't wanna let you down. |
Mark Schultz: | You can't buy Dave. |
John du Pont: | I'm getting Dave. And I don't care how much it costs. |
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