Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston is a documentary film that explores the life and career of Sonny Liston, a legendary heavyweight boxer of the 1960s. The film delves into Liston's rise to fame, his struggles with organized crime, and his mysterious death.
The movie features interviews with people who knew Liston well, including former heavyweight champion George Foreman, boxing promoter Bob Arum, and sports journalist Jerry Izenberg. These interviews shed light on Liston's personality, his boxing style, and the challenges he faced in the boxing world.
The film also examines the controversial circumstances surrounding Liston's death. While the official cause of death was ruled a heroin overdose, many of Liston's friends and associates believe foul play was involved. The movie investigates these theories and presents evidence that suggests Liston may have been murdered.
Throughout the film, viewers are given rare glimpses into Liston's private life, including his relationships with women, his love of dogs, and his struggle with drug addiction. Despite his successes in the ring, Liston's life was filled with hardship and tragedy, and Pariah sheds new light on the man behind the myth.