The Program (2015)

An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong's performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong.

Director:

Stephen Frears

Writers:

John Hodge (screenplay), David Walsh (book)

Stars:

Ben Foster, Chris O'Dowd, Guillaume Canet

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Foster	...	Lance Armstrong
Chris O'Dowd	...	David Walsh
Guillaume Canet	...	Dr. Ferrari
Jesse Plemons	...	Floyd Landis
Lee Pace	...	Bill Stapleton
Denis Ménochet	...	Johan Bruyneel
Edward Hogg	...	Frankie Andreu
Dustin Hoffman	...	Bob Hamman
Elaine Cassidy	...	Betsy Andreu
Laura Donnelly	...	Emma O'Reilly
Peter Wight	...	Sunday Times Editor
Nathan Wiley	...	Charles Pelkey
Chris Larkin	...	John Wilcockson
Mark Little	...	Rupert Guinness
Michael G. Wilson	...	Lance's Doctor

Storyline

An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong's performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong.

---

Plot Keywords:

tour de france | journalist | bicycle | coach | doctor | 

---

Taglines:

The true story of the greatest deception of our time

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film is based on Walsh's book "Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong".

---

Goofs

A number of The Sunday Times newspaper front pages on display around the office were published after the time the scenes are set. Most notably, the front cover depicting English Rugby player Johnny Wilkinson winning the 2003 World cup in a scene set in 2001.

---

Quotes

Lance Armstrong: I have the money and the power to destroy you.

---

Connections

References Donnie Darko (2001)

---

Soundtracks

Mr. Pharmacist
Written by Jeff Nowlen
Performed by The Fall
Courtesy of Beggars Banquet Records Ltd
By arrangement with Beggars Group Media Ltd

User Reviews

Biopic of Lance Armstrong that is rather good

This is the story of Lance Armstrong and is based on the book by journalist David Walsh called "Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong". Walsh worked for The Sunday Times and is played by the brilliant Chris O'Dowd in the film. Walsh was one of the few who questioned the phenomenal rise of Armstrong from mediocre hill climber to King of the mountains and unbeatable in The Tour de France.

Now the story is full of lies and deceit and evil doings and as such you would think it was full of Machiavellian twists – but no; it seems a bit flat to be honest. The story is interesting but seems to lack the oomph moments to bring it to anything approaching a dramatic crescendo.

I think half the problem is that we all know the story by now and so there is not that much to reveal and we have already gotten truly over our initial shock and disgust at what was a crime the perpetuated for years and corrupted so many – so called- athletes. Having said all that I really enjoyed it. Ben Foster puts in an excellent performance as the duplicitous Armstrong and was even convincing in the cancer bits and the double dealing lies. So one that rises from being above 'ok' but do not expect to be blown away.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 March 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Lance Armstrong Biopic

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,763, 20 March 2016

Gross USA:

$13,074

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,335,613

Company Credits

Production Co:

Anton, Momentum Pictures, StudioCanal

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1