Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Steroid mastermind shows little remorse in fascinating tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Untold: Hall of Shame
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In UNTOLD: HALL OF SHAME, Victor Conte and Tim Montgomery talk about their experiences in the steroid scandals of the early 2000s. Conte was the mastermind behind many athletes' sudden and rapid growth, like Montgomery, Marion Jones, and Barry Bonds. How did they do it? Was it worth it? Conte and Montgomery openly share how they feel about the whole story.
Is It Any Good?
Mainly featuring Victor Conte and one of his most prominent clients, track and field star Tim Montgomery, this documentary recounts their roles in the steroid scandals of the early 2000s. Conte's role in Untold: Hall of Shame is central, as he was the principal mastermind behind everything. Along with chemist Patrick Arnold and other coaches and trainers of famous athletes, Conte figured out how to cheat drug testing and the system, all while marketing his company, BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative), and his supplement products like "ZMA" (Zinc, Magnesium, Aspartate) and "SNAC" (Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning). But, unfortunately, this story doesn't quite feel like one that teaches a lesson, because Conte largely "got away with it," only having to serve a little over 4 months in federal prison for his crimes.
Fascinatingly, the camera simply lets Conte speak freely, rarely needing to pry or poke, as he's clearly very proud of his role in the history of the steroid explosion, often describing himself as an integral part of various athletes' success. Conte reportedly made over $80 million with his supplement products and continues to thrive today. Polishing his Bentley automobile, Conte is described by others as a "conman" and "snake oil salesman," but clearly this story is also one of American success. A savvy talker and schemer, Conte simply found a way to break the system and largely got away with it. His lawyers during his trial found loopholes and technical escape routes for him that ultimately reduced the federal government's initial 42 charges down to 2. And no athletes were charged with any crimes, either.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cheating in sports by taking anabolic corticosteroids. In Untold: Hall of Shame, what surprised you most about athletes and their steroid use?
How does Jeff Novitsky show perseverance and determination while investigating Victor Conte and his BALCO company?
Did you find Victor Conte remorseful about his role and influence in the steroid scandals of the early 2000s? Do you think his crimes were justly punished? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 2023
- Cast : Victor Conte , Tim Montgomery , Jeff Novitsky , Michael Schmidt
- Director : Bryan Storkel
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 30, 2023
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