Review of Pumping Iron (1977) by Can S — 07 Jun 2007
If you found Conan wasn't quite homoerotic enough, then this is the film for you! Grunts and glistening flesh bulge and bellow for over an hour, which will have you reaching for those dusty old dumbbells hidden behind the couch.
The very awesome Pumping Iron is a partly staged documentary that was responsible for bringing a certain Arnold Schwarzenegger to the attention of casting directors (though technically it was his fifth film), in addition to lifting the sport of bodybuilding into the mainstream.
Arnie stands out from all the other beefcakes not only for his amazing physique, but his obvious charisma. Some of his lines are hilarious, like when he compares 'the pump' he gets from lifting weights to an extended orgasm.
Many of the lines are also the bodybuilders playing to the camera - in order to up the interest level, there is a semi-fabricated narrative running through the real events leading up to the 1975 Mr Olympia.
The end result is a perfect combination of fact and fiction, set against a fascinating world of dedication, sacrifice, and really, REALLY big pecs.
This review of Pumping Iron (1977) was written by Can S on 07 Jun 2007.
Pumping Iron has generally received very positive reviews.
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