At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO)

About At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO)

"At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal" is a HBO documentary film released in the year 2019. Directed by Erin Lee Carr, the film explores the scandal involving the United States Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, Larry Nassar who sexually abused his female patients over decades under the guise of medical treatment. This documentary aims to shed light on the culture of abuse present within the realm of USA Gymnastics and how it was allowed to persist for such a long time.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Sarah Gibson, and Michael Cascio under the production companies HBO Documentary Films, Sidewinder Films, and The Foundation for Global Sports Development. It prominently features interviews of the victims, archival footage, and courtroom testimonials to unfold the harrowing tale of years of abuse and the eventual road to justice.

Actors

• Larry Nassar: He himself makes appearances in the film, not as an actor but through archival footage and courtroom testimonials.
• Survivors / Victims: Various survivors/victims of the abuse provide testimonials throughout the documentary to shed light on the years of abuse they suffered under Nassar and the culture of non-reportage of abuse in the sport.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary was widely acclaimed and applauded for its unflinching narration of such a sensitive issue.
• The film marks a milestone in the #MeToo movement, bringing to the fore, one of the biggest scandals in the history of American sports.

Awards

"At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal" was nominated for the Outstanding Sports Program award at the 41st Annual Sports Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• "Once you see it for what it really is, you can't unsee it."
• "What does it say about our society that victims of sexual abuse have to crawl through a razor-wire hell to seek justice?"

Music, Soundtrack

The music for "At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal" was crafted by Ian Hultquist and Sofia Hultquist, both being instrumental in setting the tone for the film and beautifully complementing the narrative.