CHANNING TATUM IS TERRIFIC IN FOXCATCHER DRAMA

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THE GLORIOUS CORNER

Story By: G. H. HARDING

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Foxcatcher Official Trailer

NEWSROOM GONE --- Last night’s series finale of HBO’s The Newsroom was a fitting end to a show I feel that was cut far too short. Aaron Sorkin’s writing with this one was top notch and much of it revolved around a song, called “That’s How I Got To Memphis” that Will (Jeff Daniels) first heard in Charlie’s office (Charlie Skinner essayed by Sam Waterston; the character that was felled by a heart attacked in last week’s show).

At a pivotal point in the show, McAvoy is shown performing the song with Skinner’s grandsons during a post-funeral memorial. Earlier in the show, we were told something about the symbolism of this song, which represents finding yourself; finding the right place; being where you're supposed to be; even if you realize you should have tried to get there sooner. A grand metaphor if you ask me.

At that moment, Will McAvoy, who had begun the series as an arrogant jerk in 2010, is where he is supposed to be, even if it took him a while: and, he is now able to show some compassion and reach out to Charlie’s grandsons in a way that matters to them– through music. But the song also touches a chord with others at Charlie’s funeral, who are looking for some respite from the sadness of missing him.

Yes, it perhaps bordered on being too-corny ... but, it worked so well.

Charlie’s Memphis was the newsroom. Will is going to carry on the good fight, but he is also finding ways to express concern for others, rather than just focusing on himself.

Most all of the other key plot points were successfully answered as well.

I'm a fan of Sorkin’s work (Sports Night, West Wing), but this show could well have run several more season. Sorkin’s said TV doesn't work for him anymore as the deadlines are too constricting. Deadlines? That’s what it’s all about. In any case, The Newsroom ended on a strong note.

FOXCATCHER --- We finally got to see the much heralded Foxcatcher over the weekend, with award-winning performances from Steve Carrell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum. This is the some-what well documented story, of John du Pojnt and his fledgling wresting camp, Foxcatcher. I remember reading about it when it first happened in 1988 although, it quickly disappeared from view in the media.

Wealthy John du Pont (Steve Carell) invites Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to move to his estate and help form a wrestling team for the 1988 Olympics. Mark sees a way to step out of the shadow of his charismatic brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo).

However, du Pont begins to lead Mark down a dark road, including du Pont’s fixation with cocaine and drink, causing the athlete's self-esteem to slip. Meanwhile, du Pont becomes fixated on bringing Dave into the fold eventually propelling all three toward an unforeseen tragedy.

The performances are simply terrific. Director Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball) as he’s done his whole career, conjures the best work from his company of actors, including Vanessa Redgrave as du Pont’s mother.

This may well be Tatum’s best performance yet, as the conflicted wrestler. The way he’s contorted his body to that of a wrestler is just astonishing. Carrell is brilliant as du Pont. His performance is very definitely from the less-is-more. His steely sneer conveying just the right degree of contempt is positively chilling.

It’s hard to tell his exact motivation; you feel he wants more than just companionship with the wrestler; especially when he actually joins in the competition and seemingly wins several matches; although you see his crony hand an envelope to the loser probably filled with cash.

Ruffalo, who amazes me with each performance is spectacular. Conveying the right amount of brotherly-concern to Tatum. His end is definitely tragic.

I liked the movie; although a better explanation seemed to be in order. Why did du Pont do what he did? What was his end game? I want to know.

CLOSING NOTES --- First wow-tour of 2015: Bob Seger and The J. Geils Band …

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jack Nicholson, Steven Tyler and Pam Anderson out at Saturday’s It’s Just A Shot Away (a collection of Rolling Stones photos from photographers David Bailey, Anton Corbijn and Terry Richardson) exhibit in L. A. at the Taschen Gallery …

Martin Freeman (The Hobbit; Fargo) was terrific on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. Best sketch was The Hobbit re-imagined as The Office … we called it Lord of the Reams …. Hilarious!