As we recently discussed on The Film Stage Show, one of the best scenes in Bennett Miller‘s Foxcatcher involves Mark Ruffalo‘s Dave Schultz being interviewed for a documentary produced by John du Pont (Steve Carell), the multi-millionaire benefactor who provided facilities and support for the wrestling careers of the Shultz brothers and more athletes. Acting as a biased promotion reel for John du Pont’s initiatives, Schultz can’t manage to string together a few words when asked about his leadership qualities.
While that specific footage isn’t available to the public, today we have a similar documentary that was created in 1988, but remains just as unsettling as we can now see between the curtains. This was a short time before Dave would come to his Foxcatcher Farm, and around the time his brother Mark (portrayed by Channing Tatum) would leave, which is portrayed different from the film.
Spoilers for the real-life story to follow, but also far different in the film is the final stand-off between police and du Pont after the murder of Dave Schultz, as the philanthropist locked himself in his mansion for two days following the shooting. Along with the documentary (via Movies.com), we also have news coverage of these events which portray a disturbing juxtaposition. Check out everything below, along with extensive interviews with Miller and cast discussing the real-life events and more.
Foxcatcher is now in limited release and expanding.