Foxcatcher 2014
Directed by
Bennett Miller
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Foxcatcher (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) finds himself in an unexpected situation when he speaks at an elementary school on behalf of his older brother, Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo). Although both are gold medal-winning wrestlers, Mark often feels overshadowed by his sibling’s accomplishments. His life takes a turn when he meets John E. Du Pont (Steve Carell), a wealthy philanthropist and wrestling enthusiast from the famous Du Pont family. Du Pont invites Mark to his Pennsylvania estate, where he has established a private wrestling training center. Enticed by the promise of financial support and the chance to be part of the “Team Foxcatcher” wrestling squad, Mark eagerly accepts, even trying to bring Dave along.
However, Dave prioritizes his family life and declines the offer, leaving Mark to move to Pennsylvania alone. He settles into a comforting guest house known as “the chalet,” where he is soon visited by Du Pont. Under the mentor’s financial guidance and the camaraderie of his teammates, Mark finds success with Team Foxcatcher, clinching a gold medal at the 1987 World Wrestling Championships with critical coaching from Dave. Their bond deepens, but as Du Pont introduces Mark to cocaine, he begins to struggle with his new lifestyle. In a moment of vulnerability, Du Pont reveals his mother, Jean Du Pont (Vanessa Redgrave), once paid a boy to be his friend, confiding that she considers wrestling a “low sport.”
Tensions heighten when Mark and his teammates take time off from training to watch mixed martial arts (MMA) on television, which infuriates Du Pont. This incident ignites a series of confrontations, leading Du Pont to insist on enlisting Dave by any means necessary. Eventually, Dave relents and moves to Pennsylvania to join Team Foxcatcher, when Du Pont offers to compensate him generously. Meanwhile, Mark feels increasingly isolated and starts to distance himself from both Du Pont and Dave as he grapples with feelings of inadequacy.
As they prepare for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Du Pont’s erratic behavior escalates. He awkwardly demonstrates techniques to impress his mother during her visit to the training facility. After a disappointing performance at the Olympic Trials in Pensacola, Florida, Mark’s emotional state deteriorates, leading him to destroy his room in a fit of rage. Driven by concern for his brother, Dave helps Mark regain his footing, leading to his final selection for the Olympic team.
Despite navigating the pressures surrounding him, Mark’s Olympic experience is fraught with disappointment and he ultimately parts ways with Team Foxcatcher. Refusing to be part of Du Pont’s toxic influence, Mark opts to leave, while Dave remains, negotiating arrangements to continue receiving Du Pont’s support.
Tragedy strikes when Du Pont visits Dave at his home, where an unprovoked confrontation leads to Dave being shot at close range. As his wife Nancy (Sienna Miller) rushes outside in a frantic bid for help, she finds Dave dying in her arms. In the aftermath, Du Pont faces arrest, and the film culminates with a scene showing Mark competing in a cage fighting match, haunted by the cheers of the crowd.
In the years that ensued, Nancy and her children relocated to Northern California, while Mark transitioned away from competitive wrestling to become a coach and motivational speaker in Oregon. Following a multi-million dollar civil suit settlement, Du Pont endured a drawn-out legal battle where he was ultimately convicted but deemed mentally ill for Dave’s murder. He received a substantial prison sentence and passed away in 2010 after spending nearly 15 years behind bars. The once-renowned Foxcatcher Farm has since been sold and transformed, with remnants of the estate now serving new purposes, marking the end of an era.
Timeline
Track the key events of Foxcatcher (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mark Schultz speaks at an elementary school
Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz is invited to speak at an elementary school on behalf of his older brother, Dave Schultz. Although both are celebrated athletes, Mark often feels overshadowed by Dave's accomplishments, setting the stage for his internal struggles.
Meeting John E. Du Pont
Mark Schultz meets John E. Du Pont, a wealthy philanthropist and wrestling enthusiast, who expresses interest in supporting Mark's wrestling career. Impressed by Du Pont's vision for a private wrestling training facility, Mark sees an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Mark relocates to Pennsylvania
Mark moves to the Du Pont estate in Pennsylvania to join the newly formed 'Team Foxcatcher.' Despite wanting to bring Dave along for support, Mark ultimately must navigate this new landscape alone, which begins to affect their brotherly bond.
Establishing 'Team Foxcatcher'
Settling into the guest house known as 'the chalet,' Mark trains under Du Pont's financial support and guidance. With the camaraderie of his new teammates, Mark attains success, culminating in a gold medal victory at the 1987 World Wrestling Championships.
Introduction to a dangerous lifestyle
As Du Pont introduces Mark to cocaine, the dynamic between them begins to shift. The once supportive mentor relationship turns toxic, leading Mark to struggle with the pressures of his success and the expectations placed upon him.
Tensions rise with Team Foxcatcher
Tensions escalate when Mark and his teammates take a break from training to watch mixed martial arts on television. Enraged by their lack of focus, Du Pont confronts the team, insisting on bringing Dave back to the facility for support.
Dave joins Team Foxcatcher
After Du Pont offers a lucrative deal, Dave Schultz reluctantly decides to join Mark at the Du Pont estate. His arrival initially brings relief to Mark, but it also complicates their relationship given the growing pressures from Du Pont.
Preparation for the 1988 Summer Olympics
As the brothers prepare for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Du Pont's erratic behavior grows increasingly unpredictable. His misguided attempts to impress his mother during her visit further alienate Mark, increasing the strain on their training.
Mark's Olympic Trials performance
After a disappointing performance at the Olympic Trials in Pensacola, Florida, Mark's emotional turmoil leads him to act out destructively. Feeling defeated and abandoned, he smashes up his room, demonstrating the mental toll of the pressure he faces.
Dave helps Mark regain composure
In a supportive gesture, Dave steps in to help Mark regain his confidence ahead of the Olympics. The bond between the brothers deepens, showcasing their shared history as they prepare for the biggest stage in their wrestling careers.
Mark leaves Team Foxcatcher
Mark ultimately decides to leave Team Foxcatcher, rejecting Du Pont's toxic influence and the pressures that come with it. This departure signifies a critical turning point as he seeks to reclaim his identity outside of Du Pont's shadow.
Tragic confrontation leads to Dave's death
An unprovoked confrontation between Du Pont and Dave at Dave's home results in a tragic shooting. As Nancy rushes outside only to find her husband dying in her arms, the horror of the event shakes those close to them, leaving a void in their family.
Du Pont's legal repercussions
Following the tragic events, Du Pont faces arrest and undergoes a long legal battle. Ultimately, he is convicted for Dave's murder but is deemed mentally ill, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.
Mark's new life in Oregon
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Mark transitions from competitive wrestling to becoming a coach and motivational speaker in Oregon. This evolution highlights his resilience as he seeks to inspire others with the lessons learned from his tumultuous experiences.
Transformation of Foxcatcher Farm
The once-celebrated Foxcatcher Farm is sold and repurposed, symbolizing the end of an era. The transformation reflects the lasting impact of the events that unfolded and the legacy of both the Schultz brothers and Du Pont.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Foxcatcher (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Mark Schultz
Mark is an Olympic wrestler whose journey encapsulates the struggle for identity and self-worth. As he grapples with feelings of inadequacy compared to his brother, he becomes entangled with Du Pont, whose unpredictable behavior leads him down a dark path. Despite his successes, Mark's internal conflict reflects the psychological burdens athletes often bear.
Dave Schultz
Dave is Mark's older brother and a stabilizing presence in his life, representing family and loyalty. He initially declines Du Pont's offer, prioritizing his family. However, his eventual decision to support Mark in the wrestling world showcases his dedication, yet his tragic fate underlines the unpredictable nature of life and the dark reality behind fame.
John E. Du Pont
Du Pont is a wealthy, eccentric figure whose ambitions to mentor Olympic wrestlers drive much of the film's conflict. His duality as a benefactor and a deeply flawed individual creates tension as his behavior deteriorates. His tragic end serves as a critical commentary on mental illness and the influence of power and wealth.
Nancy Schultz
Nancy is Dave's wife, who represents resilience in the face of tragedy. Her deep love for her husband and her frantic efforts during the climactic moments showcase the impact of Du Pont's actions on innocent lives. Her character adds emotional depth to the narrative and highlights the personal repercussions of wider conflicts.
Jean Du Pont
Jean is Du Pont's mother, whose complex relationship with her son reflects themes of neglect and the pursuit of approval. Her past actions, including paying for friendships, reveal a deeper commentary on human connections and the implications of wealth in personal relationships.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Foxcatcher (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1980s
The film is set primarily in the 1980s, a decade marked by significant developments in sports, particularly wrestling, as it prepared for new competitions. This time period also witnessed shifts in societal attitudes towards mental health and the pressures athletes faced, paving the way for discussions around these themes. The lead-up to the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul particularly highlights the intense competition and emotional volatility experienced by athletes.
Location
Pennsylvania, Northern California, Oregon
The movie primarily takes place in Pennsylvania, known for its rich wrestling culture and the infamous Foxcatcher Farm. This estate served as a training center for Olympic wrestlers and was the site of both triumph and tragedy. Following the events, the story extends to Northern California, where the Schultz family sought solace, and Oregon, where Mark transitioned to coaching and motivational speaking.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Foxcatcher (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Ambition
Ambition drives the characters in 'Foxcatcher,' particularly Mark Schultz as he seeks validation and success outside of his brother's shadow. The pursuit of glory and the desire for acceptance create a compelling conflict, especially when faced with the darker influences of Du Pont. This theme explores the lengths individuals will go to achieve their dreams, often at a significant personal cost.
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Tragedy
Tragedy looms over 'Foxcatcher' with the violent confrontation between Du Pont and Dave Schultz leading to profound losses. The film depicts how personal ambitions and toxic relationships can culminate in devastating outcomes. It illustrates the fragility of life and the heavy toll that mental health struggles can have on families and individuals.
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Competition
Competition is a central theme, reflecting not only the physical challenges of wrestling but also the emotional battles faced by the characters. As Mark strives to emerge as a top athlete, he grapples with his insecurities and the pressure imposed by Du Pont. This theme emphasizes the duality of competition as both a motivating force and a source of destructive rivalry.
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