The story told by the film takes place between the three protagonists-American legendary wrestler Mark Schultz, Mark's brother and coach David, and their patron, wealthy businessman John DuPont. In 1996, John Dupont shot and killed David in his estate in Pennsylvania. Although he was arrested soon, the rich and powerful DuPont won a lighter sentence for himself. This case has caused a lot of noise in the American sports world. People are curious as to what reason the industrial giant who wants what he wants, and for what reason he finally drew his pistol and aimed it at what he has always loved and supported. Wrestler? "Fox Hunter" tried to answer this question. The film presents a cold temperament that is very different from other sports films. The in-depth psychological depiction and the unhurried plot unfold, presenting the subtle changes in the emotions of the three in the ten years before the tragedy in 1996, giving a credible explanation for the final outcome. Compared with other movies of the same type, "Fox Hunter" did not advance on the road of inspiration, but followed the three protagonists meticulously, telling them about their acquaintances, acquaintances and conflicts, and analyzing the importance of victory. How fanatical pursuit has contributed to personal paranoia; how the dream of champions under the banner of the American Dream ruined the individual's future and even life.
After exploring the first two feature films, Bennett Miller found a suitable way to make a movie. In "Penalty Kick", the self-cultivation of the athletes and the spirit of unity among the players do not guarantee victory. On the contrary, only professional managers who are responsible for planning the layout have the best means to improve the team's ranking. "Penalty Kick" looks like a sports version of the "Monopoly" game, through the purchase and sale of players, with the least investment to create the most dreamy team, in the repeated purchases and sales, worthless players Go out one after another. In "Penalty Kick", there are almost no inspiring factors in competitive sports. Players are like chess pieces, unable to determine their own destiny. Bennett Miller ingeniously abandoned the usual enthusiasm of sports films and explained the strong power and money operation behind the golden sign of "sportsmanship". "Fox Hunter" continues the style of the previous game and continues to play cards out of common sense.
The film starts with the life of Mark Schultz. In 1987, Mark, who had won the Olympic wrestling champion, had already passed the most glorious time in his life. Before the next Olympic Games, he could only play the role of a few people, shuttled between the training ground and the residence two points and one line. between. Occasionally, he also told elementary school students the American dream as a world champion, drawing the society to remember his value. His brother David is also a wrestler and the only person who can give Mark guidance in his career and life. It is a pity that David, who is already married, cannot provide meticulous care like a babysitter. The key figure John DuPont's debut began with a phone call. This wealthy businessman who is keen on wrestling has built a complete training facility in his manor, hoping to gather a team of potential athletes to form a team called "Fox Catcher". Prepare for the Olympic Games in Seoul next year. John DuPont and David Schultz's instant match came from the sense of honor they pursued together. As a wealthy man calling for the wind and rain, the former no longer needs to prove his achievements through material gains. He constantly instills his beliefs about honor and dignity into the latter, hoping to improve the spiritual outlook of the younger generation through sports competitions. There is no difference between the preaching to elementary school students. Ironically, he also taught Mark a lot of bad habits. In DuPont's view, there is nothing wrong with alcohol and drugs as a pastime in life.
Mark's growing weakness made him unable to fight for the upcoming Olympics. Anxious DuPont had no choice but to hire his brother David to restore the two former training modes. After repeated failures, the victorious Mark faced a mental breakdown, and his patron DuPont could not bear such a retreat. What's more deadly is that during the nine years of getting along, DuPont has already conceited himself as Mark's father and spiritual mentor, and the close brotherhood between David and Mark became the last straw that crushed him. Finally, on a "bad mood" (DuPont's later description of the motive for the crime), he fired three shots at David.
The unexpected plot setting and the overall calm atmosphere balance, "Fox Hunter" has done a perfect balance between the two, making the tragedy so natural. The plot is mainly based on the memoirs of Mark Schultz, but it does not rely on telling the victims' misfortunes. Instead, it takes the cocoon and turns its attention to the murderer and Mark Schultz. This wise choice made the movie's mood become restrained and calm, and the analysis of the case also hit the spot in one fell swoop. Steve Carell, the actor of John DuPont, has contributed a wonderful transformation performance, which also makes "Fox Hunter" even more likely to win on the road to Olympics next year.
Originally published in "21st Century Business Herald"
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