The Program
Director: Stephen Frears
By Alex Watson
The Lance Armstrong scandal finally has a dramatization by Stephen Frears disappointingly refuses to dig deep. Aside from a sensational central performance from Ben Foster, The Program feels light on the ground and is often catching up to its star. Although up close we see the various ways and means to which Armstrong stayed below the radar and cheated his way to seven Tour De France titles, it just doesn't feel adequate.
Lance Armstrong (Ben Foster) is an American rider with a good reputation for one-day events but known for being useless elsewhere. His career ambitions are dealt a blow when he is diagnosed with cancer and both his team sponsors bail. When he hooks up with crooked doctor Michele Ferrari (Guillaume Canet) he is supplied with performance-enhancing drugs that boost his ability. Seemingly effortless capturing the Tour De France and the world's heart over and over again, Armstrong is living the dream. Journalist David Walsh (Chris O'Dowd) however, is not so convinced!
Opening an exhilarating shot of our hero/villain describing the thrill and danger of cycling, the mood is caught early on. The Program does not seek to vindicate or condemn Armstrong and Frears is simply telling a tale. Starting off Armstrong is a respected but not entirely complete rider who is mocked by his future boss Johan Bruyneel (Denis Menochet). His desire fueled by his own self-doubt is a dangerous tool and when he meets Ferrari and when he constructs the Team US Postal 'Blue Train', a monster is born! Unlike most sportsmen, Armstrong was a clever beast and it does capture the media and the public joy that this once broken man is now one of the world's best.
Frears seems reluctant to add more fuel to the fire during his picture and seems to assume that everyone knows enough for it to continue. Because of this oversight, we never really know that one thing that drives Armstrong to build the perfect. His scrutiny in the media is perfectly played and Walsh is a man possessed by his desire to expose an American hero. Smelling a rat watching a man previously useless on mountain stages sail away, Walsh sees through the fabrication when others can't. It was a truth none of us wanted to face, that Armstrong could possibly betray the public's trust? Rather than retreating when the heat increases, Lance becomes a more domineering threat to his teammates and other riders "I have the money and the influence to destroy you!" he tells one rider who talks.
The Program should translate into a gritty sports drama but Frears cannot find the middle ground to make this all click. When Walsh chops away at the credibility of the arrogant Armstrong there are sparks flying. Less examined is the key relationship between him and de-facto second in command Floyd Landis (Jesse Plemons). We see a pair of brothers eventually turned against one another when Lance throws him on the scrapheap when all eyes on Floyd. Disqualified 2006 Tour winner Landis' testimony was the game changing element to Armstrong exposure. When it hits we do feel the needed fireworks, only a quiet and disappointed reflection. Lance Armstrong is not made out to be a complete villain and his a unique mix of determination and cunning. There are flickers of compassion such as his visit to a cancer hospital which feels moving. When you live the ultimate fairy tale, don't expect a storybook ending.
Singlehandedly Ben Foster is the movie's yellow jersey and gives a fearless performance as Armstrong. Portraying him as a restless soul yearning for the ultimate prize, he gives the formal ideal and wonderful scrambled morality. Willingly taking the ultimate risk, he shows the Texan's growing confidence in his ability to convince others to follow. Easily a career for Foster and you cannot think of a better choice. Chris O'Dowd matches Foster well as the fiery David Walsh and his growing dismay at watching this man destroy the sport he loves is glorious. An equally hungry man, Walsh has the bit between his teeth when he looks to expose a fraud. Guillaume Canet also deserves credit for his underused role as the charismatic cheat Michele Ferrari.
The Program is a picture that should have been far more but based on Foster's performance and the sheer controversy of its subject it sufficiently entertains.
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