Icarus - Discussion
Mild spoilers for Icarus appear in this discussion.
I made this known when I watched The Great Beyond, but there's something special and unique about a documentary style film. It's not trying to create a story or a tone that intrigues the viewers. It focuses more on actual occurrences and facts. There's something so genuine about film making of that kind that sticks out to me, calling to be watched. Icarus is unique as it started as one type of film, and evolved into something else by pure happenstance.
Honestly, most people probably have no true idea as to what Icarus is about in the first place. This film started as a means to explore steroid use as a whole. The main creator of the project Bryan Fogel was an excellent amateur cyclist but felt cheated by those better who seemed too good. He set out to explore whether steroids would actually improve performance, seeking out scientists who could help with his test and avoid being tested positive. After the original person he sought out backed out for fear of his reputation being ruined Bryan was brought to Grigory Rodchenkov. He didn't know it yet, but he was about to stumble upon a huge doping scandal that was being run by high ranking Russian officials for years.
Rodchenkov helped Bryan to start his regiment of steroid use for his training and future amateur events. He was a very helpful individual as seen through their multiple skype sessions but it quickly came to be known that there was more to what was happening. Bryan and the producers of Icarus quickly realized that Grigory had ran the entire Russian doping system to enhance their athletics and avoid failing tests. Before they could learn much about this scandal Grigory came under fire from stories that put him at the center of this issue. Seeing the desperation of this man who was only involved for fear of punishment was incredible. I don't mean that in a positive light as Bryan and him had become close. Seeing their friendly bond tested by very real circumstances was incredible for the film. Quickly he had fled to America because the situation had been so dire.
From this point in the film it takes on a complete different story than originally anticipated. What started out as a study into the use of steroids turned into a war against the Russian government. Grigory became a centerpiece of investigation by multiple organizations into Russia's tactics for competitions. Seeing and hearing the incredible lengths at which they go through to "improve" their athletics through steroid use is mind blowing. We all heard the stories that there are people doping and we don't think twice. Realizing the trouble that goes into these things gives the idea of athletes doing this a much darker thought.
I don't want to discuss too deeply how far this goes as it is for the viewer to see for themselves. I will say though, Icarus is one of the most powerful and real documentaries I've ever seen. While I'm sure many people don't necessarily believe me when I say things like that, I really believe this was an eye opening film. Bryan Fogel and his team did an outstanding job in turning up every stone to show everything going on behind the curtain so-to-speak. Icarus is a great documentary and an essential film for any fan of sport.
