‘Foxcatcher’ Subject Mark Schultz Goes Off On Movie Director On Twitter And Facebook, Later Apologizes
The movie Foxcatcher is one that is already being seen as something that could generate a lot of buzz for awards, but it’s brought the ire of one person. This particular critic happens to be Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz, who is the subject of the film, and the man who went off on director Bennett Miller.
Schultz got on both Facebook and Twitter and actually threatened the Foxcatcher director. He also accused him of distorting the movie about himself and Dave, his brother. According to the New York Daily News, Dave Schultz was murdered by philanthropist and wrestling fan John du Pont.
That was when Schultz got on Twitter and went off.
“You crossed the line Miller. We’re done. You’re (sic) career is over. You think I can’t do it. Watch me.”
He proceeded to call Bennett Miller a “worthless piece of s**t.”
Oddly enough, Schultz had previously given forth much support for the film which stars Channing Tatum as him in the lead role. Mark Schultz’s brother David is played by Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carrell plays du Pont.
On New Year’s Eve, Schultz continued his tirade throughout the day with multiple posts about Foxcatcher.
“Everything I’ve ever said positive about the movie I take back. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.”
At one point in the film, there are some scenes that make it appear as if Mark Schultz had a sexual relationship with du Pont, his former coach. Schultz wrote on Facebook that it was a “sickening and insulting lie,” but later removed that post.
Variety reported that Schultz did get on Facebook on New Year’s Day and began apologizing for the “harshness of my language.” He said that he still does not regret “standing up for myself, nor do I regret calling out the only other man who has had decision making power concerning my image and legacy these past years.”
That man he is referencing is Bennett Miller.
My story and my life are real. I am a real human being. While I may have tweeted out of anger, I in no way regret… http://t.co/PAOv3T9xwz
— Mark Schultz (@MarkSchultzy) January 1, 2015
The outburst by Schultz shocked many people. He was at the Cannes premiere of Foxcatcher a couple of months ago. He’s attended a number of screenings and even tweeted out words of great praise for it the movie and those who starred in it.
Back on December 21, Schultz was even tweeting out his support for the director he just threatened.
“How can you not love Bennett Miller?… I think the actors in Foxcatcher should all win Oscars.”
Later in the same day, he plugged his book and said, “Foxcatcher could not have portrayed me more inaccurately if they tried.”
There has been no comment made by Mark Schultz as his reps have said he is out of the country. Foxcatcher already has a head of steam, and this is likely to continue as awards season approaches, but it does make things rather confusing.
[Image via Sony Pictures – Scott Garfield]
