Sony Pictures Classics has pegged Bennett Miller’s anticipated Foxcatcher to finally be released in theaters this fall. The film, based on the bizarre true story of wealthy eccentric John du Pont, stars Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo, and was originally slated to open for a 2013 awards qualifying run. The film was yanked late from the packed awards season schedule as well as high-profile premiere at the 2013 AFI Film Festival.
It may find a far loftier launching point this year, however. The film was announced just last week as an official selection to the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where it will play for in competition, vying for the prestigious Palme D’Or. It’s one of only two American films in competition this year (the other being Tommy Lee Jones’ The Homesman.) Sony Classics certainly hopes that the Cannes premier will provide a launch pad for awards consideration later in the year, much like last years’ Nebraska, which managed to make it the long haul, garnering six Oscar nominations (including one for Best Picture) after premiering on the Croisette.
Foxcatcher tells the sordid true story of Jon du Pont’s relationship with Olympics wrestling champions Dave and Mark Schultz, a twisted tale that eventually leads to murder. Carell seems poised to make an about face impression as the eccentric millionaire and Tatum and Ruffalo play the sibling wrestlers. Vanessa Redgrave and Sienna Miller co-star.
Benett Miller’s previous credits include the Oscar-nominated Capote and Moneyball. The film was written by E. Max Ryne and Dan Futterman and was produced by Megan Ellison’s AnnaPurna Pictures. Foxcatcher is set to be released on November 14, 2015. Hopefully.