Screwball 2019

They say South Florida is a sunny place for shady people, and filmmaker Billy Corben has a knack for highlighting its most intriguing characters through his acclaimed documentaries such as Cocaine Cowboys and The U. In his latest work, Screwball, he presents a captivating true-crime comedy that feels like it could leap from the pages of an Elmore Leonard novel. The film delves into the world of doping in Major League Baseball, seen through the eyes of Anthony Bosch](/actor/anthony-bosch), a controversial figure well-versed in performance-enhancing drugs and intricately involved in the scandals surrounding stars like Alex Rodriguez, [Manny Ramirez, and other renowned players.

Although Bosch lacks conventional medical credentials, his ability to narrate his story captivates. He candidly shares, with a humorous twist, the rise and fall of his Biogenesis health clinic, revealing everything from mafia ties to financial deceit, his struggles with cocaine, and the eccentricities of Rodriguez. The narrative is expertly framed by journalist Tim Elfrink, who bases his contributions on his book, Blood Sport: A-Rod and the Quest to End Baseball’s Steroid Era.

To reflect the sometimes childish pursuits of adults seeking youth, Corben employs an innovative technique by casting children to portray Bosch, Rodriguez, and others in whimsically staged reenactments that bring to mind a blend of The Little Rascals and The Thin Blue Line. The film masterfully blends humor with sobering reflections on the culture permeating professional sports; it raises pertinent questions about fairness in the face of doping scandals. While certain individuals face repercussions for their drug use, others manage to profit amidst inconsistent regulatory scrutiny.

One particularly telling moment comes from a government health inspector who recounts his rigorous pursuit of Bosch until he mysteriously receives orders to cease his investigation. Powerful forces seem eager to let this narrative fade from memory, yet Screwball ensures that it remains indelibly etched in our minds. A blend of absurdity and seriousness, it manages to evoke laughter while compelling viewers to confront the stark realities of a world where ethics are often overshadowed by greed and fame.