There was a lot of hype around this movie - particularly surrounding Steve Carrel's transformation as John du Pont - mentally ill philanthropist , wrestling fan and millionaire. I never particularly liked Steve Carrel - i'm not a fan of stupid (although i loved him in the Anchorman series), but he is virtually unrecognisable in this film.
Based on the true story of US and Olympic Champions Dave and Mark Schultz and their relationship with the very strange John du Pont, we see actors we are very familiar with become completely different people.
Channing Tatum is solid as Mark Schultz. I think a great job with the physicality of this big, strong athlete - the way he walks, the set of his jaw, his wrestling moves. Ive always liked him (being a big fan of the Step Up films :-) )
Mark Ruffalo is great in this too, but he is great in everything. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Mark plays David Schultz, Mark's older brother and an Olympic Gold medalist in his own right. The role is a smaller one, and we never get to know the man as such.
The real achievement of this movie is Steve Carrel's portrayal of du Pont. I watched this movie twice - as soon as it finished i started it again. I looked for Steve Carrel in du Pont's face. I could not find it. His whole self is different, from the way he talks, looks, his teeth, his nose, his expressions, his voice. Dark and menacing. And Steve Carrel is not dark or menacing. We watch him get stranger and stranger, more angry, grow envious. It's just incredible.
Steve Carrel probably won't win the Academy Award - I think Eddie Redmayne will for portraying Stephen Hawkins in The Theory of Everyting. But this is his movie. And I hope this role will define him more than the 40 Year Old Virgin.
Directed by Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball) - this is an honest, frank look at the relationship between men, between coaches and athletes, mentor and student, friends.
Highly recommended.
3.5/5
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