Review of Pumping Iron (1977) by Jeffrey L — 05 Aug 2010

An interesting documentary that gives us some background on Arnold Schwarzenegger and his secrets to bodybuilding, Pumping Iron is a well-done documentary that dishes out plenty of insights on what bodybuilders go through on a daily basis. As we are brought into the lives of Arnold, Sylvester and numerous other big time body buffs, we may see a different side of these guys and what they must go through to achieve their glorious states of muscular being.

Though a bit dated by todayâ??s standards, bodybuilding is still popular. Yet, many skeptics who think it is grotesque overlook the art of it. They may not be crazy for looking away from macho men who show off their biceps in a needlessly conceited manner, but when they see what these brave men (and sometimes women) do to achieve their results, they should have a whole new attitude.

The most interesting part of the film is when we are taken to and behind the scenes of body builder shows. Somewhat like beauty pageants for men, these strong dudes compete with other guys from national to worldwide levels to claim victoryâ?¦and it is no easy task.

Though those who have no interest in jocky dudes or in weight lifting in general may not especially go for this one, others will find it a pleasure to watch on various levels. In part it is a biography on Arnold and the lengths he has gone to on multiple levels to get where he got. The way other men like him are viewed in a different light also sheds spotlight on them having a soul deep beneath their muscles and also providing for families, just like other ordinary people. Though Arnold has some credible films to his name, this one ranks better than Jingle All the Way and End of Days.