Screwball

Screwball takes viewers on a wild ride through one of Major League Baseball’s most infamous doping scandals. Directed by Billy Corben, the film focuses on the Biogenesis affair, which rocked the sport in 2013 and implicated several high-profile players, most notably Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.

The documentary’s narrative is primarily driven by Anthony Bosch, a self-proclaimed specialist in performance-enhancing drugs who was at the center of the scandal. Bosch’s storytelling skills are on full display as he recounts the rise and fall of his Biogenesis health clinic with a mix of humor and candor. His tales involve mob connections, financial chicanery, and his own cocaine habit, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of professional sports.

The film not only focuses on Bosch and Rodriguez but also introduces other key players in the scandal. Porter Fischer, a former client of Biogenesis turned whistleblower, emerges as a crucial figure whose actions ultimately led to the exposure of the doping ring. Fischer’s naivety and seemingly accidental involvement in bringing down the operation add another layer of complexity to the story.

While the documentary primarily centers on the individuals directly involved in the scandal, it also sheds light on the broader institutional issues within Major League Baseball. The league’s handling of the investigation and subsequent punishments comes under scrutiny, raising questions about the effectiveness of its anti-doping measures and the motivations behind its actions.

Screwball manages to strike a balance between entertainment and information, presenting the complex web of events in a way that is accessible to both baseball aficionados and those unfamiliar with the sport. The film’s tone oscillates between comedy and serious commentary, reflecting the often absurd nature of the scandal itself.

By focusing on the human elements of the story, the documentary offers insight into the motivations and personalities that drove the scandal. From Bosch’s ego and desire for recognition to Rodriguez’s eccentric behavior and desperate attempts to maintain his legacy, the film paints a compelling portrait of the individuals at the heart of the controversy.