In a year brimming with mesmerizing performances, Bennett Millers Foxcatcher might just feature three of the very best. Much has been written about Steve Carrells dramatic turn as John duPont, and understandably so: the actor delivers a quietly terrifying performance as the murderous millionaire. While Carrell might be the film's most striking performer, equally impressive in less showier roles are stars Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo, who play Olympic wrestlers brothers Mark and Dave Schultz, respectively. The three men are a trifecta of dramatic power. Its just too bad that the movie in which they are featured isnt quite as impressive. Dont be mistaken: Foxcatcher is good, occasionally even really good. As hes evidenced previously in films like Capote and Moneyball, Miller has a knack for getting quality performances from his cast. Unfortunately, what he possesses in actorly know-how, Miller lacks when it comes to narrative propulsion: for all of the skill that went into its creation, Foxcatcher still remains a frustratingly disaffected experience, cold, callous, and nearly impossible to fully embrace. The aforementioned performances arent given a truly supportive narrative base upon which to rest, leading to a film that, while brimming with aesthetic value, falls just short of being completely engaging.
