Review of Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) by Nigel F — 04 Apr 2009

In Bigger, Stronger, Faster, Chris Bell certainly relies a little too heavily on the documentary techniques we have become all to familiar with in other recent "America under the microscope" films (Supersize Me, Bowling For Columbine) but he is after all a rookie filmmaker. Bell's journey to investigate steroid and to a lesser extent pharmaceutical drug culture does however not feel rookie whatsoever.

Perhaps this familiarity with America's desire to be what the title suggests comes from his own coming of age idolizing and mimicking American "Juice Monkeys", his own families involvement with steroids, or as it becomes evident within the film the inescapable grasp of steroids in modern society, but Bells investigation of the subject is both thorough and fascinating. By taking a very neutral stance rather than one that is biased and finding a way to incorporate some great, quirky characters into his film only makes Bigger, Stronger, Faster that much more captivating.