Channing Tatum has had an interesting and surprisingly varied career over the years. Beginning as a street dancer in the Step Up films, he went on to become a lovable lug in 21 Jump Street and its sequel, proving that he could keep up with the comic timing of Jonah Hill. But despite some forays into dramatic acting with Magic Mike and Stop-Loss, Tatum has yet to prove that he can really carry a central dramatic part. That appears to be changing with the release of Bennett Miller’s wrestling drama Foxcatcher, which recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to generally positive reviews.
Foxcatcher tells the true story of John du Pont (Steve Carell), the millionaire who provided wrestling facilities for the David and Mark Schultz (Mark Ruffalo and Tatum respectively) to train for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Things turned tragic, however, as a bizarre psychological power play developed between the three men and darkness began to descend.
The first poster for Foxcatcher features Tatum staring icily into the camera, reinforcing how front and center his performance must be to the film. But I’m equally excited to see Ruffalo and Carell as the second and third pieces of this triumvirate. Three very good actors in what appear to be challenging roles is always intriguing. With the director of Capote and Moneyball behind them, this one is sure to be interesting.
Tatum has received his share of accolades for his role as Mark Schultz, which he’s referred to as the toughest acting job he’s had to date (and also the most physically wearing). The film also garnered a Best Director award for Miller, and competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. In other words: this is one to watch for.
Foxcatcher will open on November 14. Until then, check out the poster below.
