"The Armstrong Lie" is one of the most anticipated sports documentaries we are going to see this year. Having been to the Tour de France ourselves and supporting the then 'innocent' and 'clean' Lance Armstrong, we are looing forward to what he has to say.
Having defended him at every opportunity, having brought books, posters and sports gear that bared his name we were truly let down when the news broke that he had been charged with the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs. Even more, his arrogance in the Oprah Winfrey interview made us angrier.
Since then our views of Armstrong have changed but its odd - we do not find ourselves hating him - but we should. What did Lance Armstrong lie about you ask? Everything. He cheated, he bullied and he deceived us all of everything we believe in. Yet there is still some part of us that wants to like him. If you have ever watched him on the bike then you will know what I mean. Yes, he was filled up to the brim of illegal drugs (something that we obviously do not condone) but he still was a helluva bike rider.
Alex Gibney's experience of Armstrong is even more up close and personal. Lance made a comeback from retirement in 2009 and Gibney was on board to do a behind the scenes documentary of the comeback. All the time though - Armstrong claimed innocence against doping allegations that were re-surfacing. When he was eventually was charged and confessed, Gibney rightfully said how he felt conned. What would you do? You have just made a documentary on one of the biggest sportsmen in the world to find out that they are a cheat. We like Gibney's response - demand another interview and then make a documentary on the whole lie that Armstrong told.
"This is not a story about doping, it's a story about power." - Daniel Coyle
We are still reserved in what we feel about Armstrong. Is he still the inspiration that he once was - in some ways I think he is yes. He survived cancer and provides inspiration to many because of this. However in a sporting context it is difficult, do we just forget? Or do we try to forgive? Or do we hate?
Hopefully, "The Armstrong Lie" is going to leave us leaning towards one or the other. The film is released in the UK tomorrow (31st January 2014). The trailer already starts our emotions bubbling and we are interested to see how it makes us feel afterwards. We certainly will be watching it very soon. What do you think? Have you seen "The Armstrong Lie?"
The Armstrong Lie Trailer
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