Foxcatcher
Based on true events, Foxcatcher tells the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi-millionaire and two champion wrestlers. When Olympic Gold Medal winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) is invited by wealthy heir John Du Pont (Steve Carell) to move on to the Du Pont estate and help form a team to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics at his new state-of-the-art training facility, Schultz jumps at the opportunity, hoping to focus on his training and finally step out of the poverty stricken situation Olympic caliber athletes like he and his revered brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Driven by hidden needs, Du Pont sees backing Schultz's bid for Gold and the chance to "coach" a world-class wrestling team as an opportunity to gain the elusive respect of his peers and, more importantly, his disapproving mother (Vanessa Redgrave). Trapped in Du Pont's majestic but suffocating world, Mark comes to see his benefactor as an egotistical, arrogant, and selfish megalomaniac and grows increasingly contemptuous. Though initially supportive, Du Pont's mercurial personality turns and he begins to lure Mark into an unhealthy lifestyle that threatens to undermine his training. Soon Du Pont's erratic behavior and threatening psychological game-play begin to erode the athlete's environment, stability, and motivation. Meanwhile Du Pont becomes fixated on Dave, who exudes the confidence Du Pont lacks. Du Pont eventually realizes he is unable to buy the respect he so desperately desires from the world's greatest wrestlers. Fueled by Du Pont's increasing paranoia and alienation from the brothers, the trio is propelled towards a tragedy no one could have foreseen.
The film disappointed at the box office against its mid-range budget of $24.0M, earning $12.1M globally (-50% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unique voice within the biography genre.
Nominated for 5 Oscars. 12 wins & 82 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Foxcatcher (2014) exemplifies carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Bennett Miller's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 14 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Mark Schultz trains alone in an empty, dimly lit wrestling room, his isolated existence reflecting both his dedication and his loneliness. He lives in poverty, working menial jobs, overshadowed by his more celebrated brother Dave.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Mark receives a phone call from John du Pont's estate, inviting him to Foxcatcher Farm. This wealthy benefactor offers an opportunity that could change everything.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 34 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Mark accepts du Pont's offer and moves to Foxcatcher Farm, choosing to step out of his brother's shadow and into du Pont's world. He commits to this new life and the promise of becoming his own man., moving from reaction to action.
At 67 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Mark loses badly at the World Championships after du Pont pushes him too hard and controls his preparation. The false victory of Foxcatcher life crashes down as Mark realizes he's become a puppet, and du Pont publicly humiliates him., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Mark leaves Foxcatcher, defeated and broken. His dream of independence and recognition has died. He has failed to escape his brother's shadow and has been discarded by the father figure he sought., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 107 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Du Pont's delusions reach a breaking point. Having lost Mark, his mother, and his grip on reality, he crosses into a final, irreversible state of psychosis where violence becomes inevitable., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Foxcatcher's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Foxcatcher against these established plot points, we can identify how Bennett Miller utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Foxcatcher within the biography genre.
Bennett Miller's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Bennett Miller films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Foxcatcher takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Bennett Miller filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Bennett Miller analyses, see Moneyball, Capote.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Mark Schultz trains alone in an empty, dimly lit wrestling room, his isolated existence reflecting both his dedication and his loneliness. He lives in poverty, working menial jobs, overshadowed by his more celebrated brother Dave.
Theme
During a grade school speaking engagement, Mark struggles to command respect as he talks about winning and being the greatest. The theme of worthiness, patriotism, and the hunger for validation through achievement is established.
Worldbuilding
Mark lives in his brother Dave's shadow despite being an Olympic gold medalist himself. We see his impoverished life, his dependence on Dave for training and emotional support, and his desperate need for recognition as an individual.
Disruption
Mark receives a phone call from John du Pont's estate, inviting him to Foxcatcher Farm. This wealthy benefactor offers an opportunity that could change everything.
Resistance
Mark visits Foxcatcher Farm and meets the eccentric millionaire John du Pont, who offers him money, training facilities, and the chance to bring glory to America. Du Pont becomes a mentor figure, promising Mark the recognition he craves and attempting to recruit Dave as well.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Mark accepts du Pont's offer and moves to Foxcatcher Farm, choosing to step out of his brother's shadow and into du Pont's world. He commits to this new life and the promise of becoming his own man.
Mirror World
Mark develops a father-son-like relationship with du Pont, who showers him with attention, gifts, and praise. Du Pont represents what Mark thinks he wants: a wealthy, powerful father figure who sees him as special.
Premise
Mark thrives at Foxcatcher, training hard and enjoying the resources and attention. He wins matches, bonds with du Pont, and experiences the promise of the premise: becoming a champion under du Pont's patronage. However, du Pont's controlling nature and Mark's vulnerabilities begin to surface.
Midpoint
Mark loses badly at the World Championships after du Pont pushes him too hard and controls his preparation. The false victory of Foxcatcher life crashes down as Mark realizes he's become a puppet, and du Pont publicly humiliates him.
Opposition
Mark spirals into self-destruction through drugs and binge eating. Du Pont brings Dave to Foxcatcher to control Mark, shifting his obsessive attention to Dave. Mark becomes increasingly alienated, watching du Pont transfer his affections to his brother, recreating the old dynamic.
Collapse
Mark leaves Foxcatcher, defeated and broken. His dream of independence and recognition has died. He has failed to escape his brother's shadow and has been discarded by the father figure he sought.
Crisis
Mark is gone, but the story continues with Dave at Foxcatcher. Du Pont's mental state deteriorates as he loses control and his mother dies. Dave remains, trying to manage du Pont while maintaining his own integrity and family life.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Du Pont's delusions reach a breaking point. Having lost Mark, his mother, and his grip on reality, he crosses into a final, irreversible state of psychosis where violence becomes inevitable.
Synthesis
Du Pont drives to Dave's house and shoots him multiple times in front of his wife, killing him. The tragedy completes itself as du Pont is arrested. The film shows the aftermath and the destruction wrought by du Pont's pathology and Mark's desperate need for validation.
Transformation
Text reveals du Pont was ruled mentally ill and imprisoned, where he died. Mark continued wrestling. The final image shows Mark alone in a prison-like cell, suggesting he remains trapped by the same isolation and need that began the story—no true transformation, only tragedy.