Pumping Iron Giants

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a very impressive man have got to the highest level in three different walks of life. Recently in politics he was the two term Governor of California (the biggest state in the USA and the highest American office the non-USA born Arnie can hold.) In the early 1990’s he was the biggest movie star in the world with hits like Twins, Kindergarten Cop and Terminator 2. And before both those achievements he was a world class bodybuilder having won the elite Mr Olympia title seven times. The 1977 documentary Pumping Iron records the build up to both the amateur Mr Universe contest and the professional Mr Olympia contest giving an insight into the most narcissistic sport in the world.

It’s a fascinating exploration into the sport of bodybuilding and the focus, ambition, commitment and endurance needed to succeed at such a high level. We’re also introduced to the key players at each event and it’s interesting the range of characters the sport attracts. Most entertaining is the footage of Schwarzenegger at the top of his game; confident, relaxed, hard-working and most interestingly, intent on playing mind games with his fellow competitors…particularly the quiet Lou Ferrigno. Excellent stuff.