ESPN+ Tells the Complex Story of ‘The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius’ (VIDEO)
Directed by BAFTA award-winner Daniel Gordon, The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius tells the story of the South African Paralympic sprinter and international hero, who had inspired millions with his determination and dedication — and who was then suddenly at the center of a murder investigation. The circus that surrounded a tragic death became just as much a story of the time as his initial rise to glory.
The Peabody and Emmy award-winning 30 for 30 documentary can be watched as four serialized parts of the film live, over four nights, or the entire film can be binged, beginning Sunday, September 27 on ESPN+.
Screengrab/ESPN+
Featuring interviews with more than a dozen of the figures closest to the story, the film recounts Pistorius’s fall from grace after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the wee hours of February 14, 2013 in his home in Pretoria, South Africa.
According to Pistorius, the event was a tragic accident, but his troubled past and questionable testimony cast doubt on his innocence.
Screengrab/ESPN+
As the saga unfolds, the story flashes back to the very beginning of the future Paralympic star’s life, chronicling his improbable ascent from a young boy who had both his undeveloped legs amputated as a toddler to overnight teenage phenomenon at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Shattering records and convention, “The Blade Runner,” as he became known, then went on a quest to compete against able-bodied athletes at the Olympics.
His struggle against international track and field officials continued for years before Pistorius finally prevailed and competed at the London Olympics in 2012.
Screengrab/ESPN+
Less than a year later, he was in a South African courtroom, accused of murdering his girlfriend.
“The story of Oscar Pistorius is remarkable in its complexity. It’s at once inspirational and harrowing, and provides a lens of insight into a breadth of issues – from gender based violence to disability rights, racial inequality and media frenzy,” said director Daniel Gordon. “My hope is that the film gives audiences additional context and layers to a story they think they know.”
The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius, Premiere, Sunday, September 27, ESPN+
