The public demand for a movie about this subject is evident. Just look at how well the "Bigger, Stronger, Faster," documentary did. But, I think the idea of doing a movie with the subject matter of steroids is something Hollywood has been reluctant to do for two reasons:
1. Some really bad after school specials on the subject from the 80's and 90's. (See Vince Vaughn)
2. Most people would naively assume that Hollywood doesn't care who it steps on to sell tickets, but the subject matter is really almost too hot, with too many Sports icons (no, entertainment icons receive no sanction), who were once thought to be Hall of Fame shoe ins, who now may not make it in because of rumors revolving around steroid use. Mark McGuire is a great example of that, and the fact that Senator Mitchell never took any action against a league full of players who were openly shooting each other up in the butt, pretty much sets the tone for giving these athletes a temporary pass.
3. In other sports, like football, the testing is very stringent, just like the IOC, so the players are more often than not, smart enough not to get caught, and they certainly never talk about it, as there is too much for them to risk. When Shawn Merriman of the Chargers got caught, he received a 4 game suspension, costing him millions of dollars. Getting caught a 2nd time could have cost him a year.
4. In college, getting caught is one way to make sure that your status in the draft falls, or you won't get drafted at all.
I think a big Hollywood, mainstream production where Jamie Foxx plays Barry Bonds, or Mark Whalberg plays Romo would feel pretty forced, selling to teen-agers based on the sensationalism of the subject matter alone.
So, it seems like a documentary like "Bigger, Stronger, Faster," as well as an INDEPENDENT feature film, where steroids are the sub-text, or innuendo behind the plot, is probably the place to probe this sensitive subject matter.
Based upon this movies clips, it seems to be the latter. I'll be very interested to see how it holds up to scrutiny once I get a chance to see it.
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