Just as the year kicked off, a controversy started to surround "Foxcatcher" when Mark Schultz, the wrestler portrayed by Channing Tatum in the film, turned against the movie that he had been praising since it premiered at Cannes. Taking both to Twitter and Facebook, he claimed that Miller’s depiction of him in the film was inaccurate, particularly when it came to his emotional state, and he called the director "scum" and threatened to end his career. Schultz later apologized for the harshness of his tone, but said he still stood by his opinion and was defending his legacy. But it’s amazing what a difference five Oscar nominations can make.
In the last few days, Schultz has hit Twitter and reversed his opinion on "Foxcatcher," sending out no shortage of praise to the film (calling it "a masterpiece"), Channing Tatum, and Bennett Miller, the latter of whom he now calls "the greatest director ever." Schultz also tweeted that the film "is a miracle. I’m sorry I said I hated it. I love it," and that Tatum was "robbed" of an Oscar nomination. So just in case it wasn’t clear, Schultz now loves "Foxcatcher," so you can see it with the knowledge he has given it his full approval (again).
Check out Schultz’s tweets below. "Foxcatcher" is now playing in limited release.
Congrats to all nominees for #Foxcatcher.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 16, 2015
Channing Tatum GOT ROBBED. HE WAS SO GOOD IT WAS UNREAL. I’m amazed he wasn’t nominated.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
Bennett Miller is the greatest director ever. 3rd time’s the charm. He’s due an oscar.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
I feel terrible about what I did to Bennett. I should have followed God, not man.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
When Channing gives that look to USA Wrestling Officials, I’ve made that look 1000 times. I don’t know where or how he got that but it’s #1
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
Foxcatcher is going to help wrestling. There’s so many positives and no negatives. When I fought and Dave wasn’t there was so emotional
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
Everyone who saw #Foxcatcher loves it!
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
#Foxcatcher is a miracle. I’m sorry I said I hated it. I love it. I love my interpretation and will ignore the haters. I’m never getting mad
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
I think the problem I had was the context of the movie. It’s what happened was so hard. My brother’s murder. My career ruined.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
I apologize to you before the world Bennett. I’m sorry.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
The consensus is in. FOXCATCHER IS A MASTERPIECE.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
I am praying so hard #Foxcatcher wins. Especially Bennett Miller, Steve Carell, and Mark Ruffalo.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 18, 2015
Thank you Bennett Miller for honoring my great brother Dave Schultz.
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 19, 2015
This dude Mark is an interesting cat. They should add an extra 10 minutes to the film to include these last three months.