About Icarus

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Icarus is a true crime documentary film released in 2017. Directed by Bryan Fogel, the film explores the Russian doping scandal, which made headlines during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. The documentary follows Fogel's personal journey as he uncovers the extensive use of performance-enhancing drugs by Russian athletes and the subsequent cover-up by the Russian government and anti-doping agencies.

The film begins with Fogel planning to participate in the Haute Route, a grueling cycling race, and documenting how he aims to evade drug tests by using performance-enhancing drugs. Through this process, Fogel connects with Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory.

Rodchenkov reveals shocking details about the state-sponsored doping program in Russia. He provides evidence of the widespread use of banned substances by Russian athletes, including some who won gold medals at the Olympics. The film takes an unexpected turn as it becomes a whistleblower documentary, highlighting the dangers Rodchenkov faces for exposing the truth.

Making / Production

Icarus was initially intended to be a cycling documentary, following Bryan Fogel's personal journey as he explores the world of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. However, the film takes a dramatic turn when Fogel manages to connect with Grigory Rodchenkov, turning it into a groundbreaking exposé of the Russian doping scandal.

The documentary combines interviews, archival footage, and hidden camera footage to provide a comprehensive look at the doping scandal. Filming took place over a period of several years, capturing key moments, interviews, and the legal battles surrounding the investigation.

Actors

• Bryan Fogel - Director and protagonist
• Grigory Rodchenkov - Former head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory, whistleblower

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Icarus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, where it won the Orwell Award for its exploration of truth and democracy.
• The film features exclusive interviews with Grigory Rodchenkov, providing unprecedented insights into the Russian doping scandal.
• Icarus received critical acclaim and has been praised for its in-depth investigation and the risks taken by the filmmakers in exposing the truth.

Awards

Icarus won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2018 Oscars. The film's groundbreaking exposé of the Russian doping scandal and its impact on the world of sports contributed to its success.

Quotes

• "Sport is filled with miracles, and this, isn't one." - Bryan Fogel
• "If we have doubts, we must test." - Grigory Rodchenkov
• "The only mistake we made was sending all this to the States." - Grigory Rodchenkov

Music / Soundtrack

The documentary Icarus primarily uses a score composed by Adam Peters to create tension and drama throughout the film. The soundtrack enhances the investigative nature of the story and complements the intensity of the revelations.

Additionally, the film incorporates various licensed tracks to further enhance specific scenes or evoke certain emotions.