At the time of this 1977 production, Austrian muscleman, Arnold Schwarzenegger (before he became a parody of himself) was just 28 years old and (as you will clearly see while watching "Pumping Iron") he was certainly in top physical shape (sans steroids!!??).
Pumping Iron is a strange documentary, and an example of how documentaries can take some liberties in how it portrays its subjects. There's an interesting parallel to be made between this and other documentaries following competitions, like The King of Kong, as they usually try to heighten the intensity, and reduce the subjects to good/bad.
Where do I start with this movie? Let me tell you, Arnold's big ol' muscles weren't the only things that were bulging during this movie.
Before Arnold Schwarzenegger became a parody of himself, he starred in this insightful documentary about bodybuilding. "Pumping Iron" features a number of men whose muscles are beyond belief.
Truly inspiring in every way. The film that got me into the gym.
Entertaining, well made documentary on the sport of body building (circa mid 1970s) focusing in particular on then 28 year old Arnold Schwarzenegger, who can be charming, funny, and as when he's explaining his admiration for dictators in his Germanic accent ("People remember them") or playing psych-out mind games on his so-called best friend, but also rival, before a competition – he can be more than a bit creepy and disturbing. While always enjoyable, and fascinating for where Arnold's life led him after this film made him a star, it's not a super deep or moving documentary.
It's 1975 before bodybuilding competitions in Pretoria, South Africa. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the multiple Mr.
If anyone Knows can you please tell me that song at the end of Pumping Iron that would be great thanks. Overall it was a good movie but it sure makes feel bad when Arnold was whopping all there butts II wanted Lou to win at the end actually but he won it later I hear well good for him.
Pumping Iron is a great documentary. A rather revealing look at the then smaller world of body-building.
