Foxcatcher ending explained: What led to John du Pont’s actions?

Released on November 14, 2014, Foxcatcher was directed and produced by Bennett Miller, ends with a shocking and tragic event that leaves the audience questioning the motivations behind John du Pont’s actions. The movie focuses on the real tale of Olympic wrestling champions Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo), who get caught up with eccentric millionaire John du Pont (Steve Carell).

The film reveals how John du Pont and the Schultz brothers went through odds throughout the film. Du Pont's erratic behavior, driven by his desire for power and recognition, poisons Foxcatcher Farms.

Mark Schultz is initially drawn to Du Pont's wealth and promises, but his controlling and manipulative behavior takes his career downhill. Overshadowed by Dave's coaching skills and the brothers' closeness, Du Pont becomes paranoid and isolated, leading to the tragedy.

Du Pont, who has grown more unpredictable throughout the movie, plans a cold-blooded murder of Dave in front of his house.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for the movie.

---

Exploring the ending of Foxcatcher

A descent into madness

It's a film that deeper into John du Pont's psychological disintegration. Throughout the movie, his fixation with appearing to the wrestlers at Foxcatcher as a father figure and mentor is obvious. But as Du Pont's behavior becomes more erratic, his rapport with Mark Schultz strains.

Inducing drugs entering their relationship aggravates the situation. Mark spirals into self-destructive behavior and Du Pont grows more unstable. Dave Schultz's arrival, who tries to bring stability, just accentuates Du Pont's shortcomings and fuels his increasing paranoia.

---

The moment of truth

In the final moments, the tension reaches its peak. Du Pont, sitting alone in his mansion, watching a documentary that glorifies his role in the wrestling team, decides to take matters into his own hands. He drives to Dave Schultz’s home and, without warning, confronts him with a gun.

The question haunts everyone, why did Dave deserve this? The answer lies in du Pont’s twisted mind, where Dave represents everything he feels he can never be—respected, loved, and talented. This envy and resentment culminate in the senseless act of violence that leaves Dave dead and Du Pont’s legacy forever tarnished.

---

The aftermath

Du Pont's arrest signifies the end of the movie, but his deeds have resonance long beyond the credits that have rolled. The film further emphasizes not only the murder but also the knock-on effects it causes for all the people engaged. Already apart from Foxcatcher, Mark Schultz is left to deal with the loss of his brother and the treachery of a man he once regarded as a mentor.

---

The tragic irony: A legacy shattered

The sad irony of Foxcatcher is that John du Pont's ultimate collapse results from his great need for respect and acknowledgement. Du Pont's insecurities drive him to destroy the very thing he aimed to create—a legacy as a great coach and mentor—despite his riches and power. Rather, he is recalled as a killer, a man who lets his demons control him.

---

The impact on the wrestling community

The events shown in the film profoundly touched the wrestling community. Dave Schultz was a cherished person who had committed his life to the sport, not only as a coach. His murder rocked society and raised consciousness of the need for mental health and the risks of unbridled power.

Power, insecurity, and mental illness can have dire consequences, as the ending shows. In search of control and recognition, John du Pont killed an innocent person and destroyed his legacy.

---

The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video.