Disturbing 'Foxcatcher' Will Fall Short Of Oscars Glory

Foxcatcher, the new psychological drama by Bennett Miller, hits cinemas in the UK today (January 9, 2014) on the back of critical acclaim stateside and talk of awards glory. Acting from an eerie and disturbing script from E. Max Frye, Foxcatcher features three stunning performances from Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum and, notably, Steve Carell.

"It is tautly directed, deftly written, thoroughly gripping and offers psychological heft as well as sublime performances all round," said Deborah Ross of The Spectator.

Though Foxcatcher is another notably achievement for Miller - and particularly for Ruffalo, Tatum and Carell - the movie is likely to miss out on the major prizes at the Oscars. Had Richard Linklater not unleashed Boyhood last year, the race for Best Picture would have been wide open with Foxcatcher probably battling The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything and Birdman. Instead, the category of Best Picture is already tied up and the acting categories are hugely competitive after a swathe of excellent performances in average to very good movies.

More: Mark Schultz changes view on Foxcatcher, rips Bennett Miller

Carell is behind Michael Keaton, Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch in the pecking order for best actor (though perhaps only Keaton's performance was better), while Ruffalo is probably the second favourite for best supporting actor though will find it almost impossible to beat JK Simmons for Whiplash.

Foxcatcher is out in the UK today (January 9, 2014).

Watch the trailer for Foxcatcher: