Foxcatcher: A Unique Experience
By Tiffany Clark

 

This piece is the opinion of the author, not the stance of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. It contains detailed information about the major motion picture Foxcatcher, so please consider whether or not you wish to read it prior to viewing the film.

 

On Sunday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a private screening of the movie Foxcatcher at the University of Oklahoma. As you may already know, Foxcatcher was released in New York City and Los Angeles on Friday. The film will continue to reach select cities across the country over the next few months. Oklahoma is not scheduled to receive the film until mid-January, so huge thanks to Sony and Annapurna Pictures for granting us this advance screening.

Even before coming to the Hall of Fame, I had a strong desire to create an event at which serious wrestling fans could come together to view the big-screen telling of the story of Mark and Dave Schultz. A call to the OU coaching staff revealed a similar interest and led to talks with Nancy Schultz to facilitate such an event. Our vision led to screenings in Colorado Springs, New York City, St. Louis, and finally Norman, Okla., where the Schultz brothers competed and where Dave met Nancy.

What an honor to not only see the film at an early date, but to do so alongside the likes of Dan Gable, Kendall Cross, Melvin Douglas, Dan Chaid, and Nancy and Alexander Schultz. Ever the gracious hosts, both Nancy and Alexander spoke before the viewing. It is interesting to note that Dave’s glasses and some articles of clothing were used in the film. Nancy also expressed the authenticity of the sets, including the Foxcatcher wrestling room and “chalet” where the family lived, though she pointed out the compression of time wherein the events of a decade take place in less than two years on screen.

Whether you know the story first-hand or only through reports, it is a given that it will not be a joyous movie-going experience. Although I did not know Dave, I got to know his family through the Dave Schultz Memorial International tournament. They have remained gracious and strong throughout tragedy, never letting Dave’s memory fade.

Credit should be given to all three leading actors for the immense amount of effort they dedicated to learning these roles. From my understanding, Mark Ruffalo does an excellent job of portraying the character of Dave Schultz. Steve Carell as John du Pont is disturbing from the initial movie trailers through the final credits.

The wrestling is portrayed well. It is obvious that the actors trained at length and fortunate that Ruffalo had previous experience with wrestling. The action sequences are not obviously fake or exaggerated. While a serious wrestling enthusiast can see that these are not Olympic-level athletes, it is easy to overlook the small lack of finesse that can be detected.

The most enjoyable part of the movie was seeing wrestlers I know. Notable appearances include Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov, Keith Gavin, Jake Herbert, Tyrone Lewis, and James Yonushonis. Others include Bruce Baumgartner, Doc Bennett, JD Bergman, Ken Chertow, Gordon Connell, Stan Dziedzic, Nick Gallo, Corey and Jesse Jantzen, Dave Miller, Zach Rey, Mark Schultz himself and David Zabriskie. I missed Reece Humphrey and Lee Kemp and am sure that subsequent viewings will reveal others.

One thing that would have added to the film would have been to cast more high-profile wrestlers. Unfortunately, I don’t know who many of the background wrestlers were. Associating more All-Americans and World Team members with the film would have increased its value in my opinion.

Another area where credibility could have been added is in relation to the university where Mark and Dave initially train. In reality, this was the University of Wisconsin, although it is depicted as a fictitious Wexler University in the film. There’s likely a valid reason why Wisconsin was not named in the film, but I think doing so would elevate the status of the sport. Olympic champions training and coaching at an unknown university only perpetuates Mrs. Du Pont’s description of wrestling as a “low” sport. Naming a prestigious, well-known Big Ten school would allow the non-wrestling audience to connect to the situation and perhaps see wrestling in a better light.

I don’t know what those outside of wrestling will think of this film. I don’t know if they will understand or appreciate the wrestling aspects. My hope is that they will understand the themes of power and money in relation to du Pont.

For those with any affiliation to wrestling, do not miss this movie. We must continue to encourage the coverage of wrestling in mainstream media. While this is not a portrayal of wrestling glory, it is important to pay tribute to Dave and his family.

For everyone, perhaps the takeaways from the story are to be cautious of compromising morals for powerful benefactors and alert to signs of mental illness. John du Pont may have been too far gone for help even if his ego had not stood in the way. However, there may be individuals in our lives who do need help before it is too late. Let us work to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated.