Sure we all know the story about Lance Armstrong’s rise and fall, so I was surprised to find myself intrigued by The Program. It was really interesting hearing the story from the point of view of the journalist who blew the cover on what was going happening.
thanks to studio canal
Cycling fanatic and journalist David Walsh (Chris O’Dowd), closely watched Armstrong’s early career and when Armstrong came back from life-threatening cancer to win the Tour De France in 1999 his curiosity was peaked.
‘I don’t go up a mountain to watch chemists compete,’ Walsh.
The movie charts how Walsh spent the next 13 years doggedly trying to uncover what was really going on. Ostracized by his colleagues Walsh was finally vindicated in October 2012 when Armstrong was charged for using performance enhancing drugs, and banned from the sport for life.
It was fascinating to watch events such as the team bus pulling over to the side of the road, and setting up the blood infusions. Knowing that the movie makers were privy to extensive court records as well as Walsh’s own book, solidified the vision you were seeing.
Ben Fosters performance as Armstrong was incredibly believable be it as Armstrong the athlete, the cancer patient or the evangelist speaker.
‘Write your best life story and then live it.’ Armstrong.
Chris O’Dowd showed yet again that comedians can be good dramatic actors. He’s building a terrific portfolio, I’m already starting to take a second look whenever I see his name associated with a film.
Three points were pivotal for me …
- When a young Armstrong is told his build meant he’d never win the Tour de France.
- When he declares post cancer that he ‘never wants to be that close to losing again’.
- When a ponderous Armstrong says ‘I just tell them what they want to hear.’
If these were true records then I ponder how things might have been if Armstrong had been treated differently at these moments.
The real life footage adds depth to the movie and the scenery is beautiful, as you would expect.
The movie also left me pondering …
- It only takes one brave person to speak up about the elephant in the room.
- That when you spin a web of lies you will eventually be found out even if it takes 13 years
- Even if people aren’t talking about the lies, those who know and have to keep the secret, have no respect for the originator.
- The movie is a lesson in being prepared to raise awkward questions and ignore the bullies.
- It’s also a reminder that ego brings people down.
- It’s such a shame that this legacy overshadows Armstrong’s Live Strong work into cancer.
The movie can be seen at