Pumpin' Iron For the Man!

It's that time folks, time for another film from the movie master, Arnold Schwarzenegger! You would think I would be better at spelling his last name by now, but you would be wrong. In your FACE high school education! Right, let's get too it, times a wastin'!

Pumping Iron (1977)

Arnold gets the starring roll in his next film, a documentary following some body builders competing in the 1975 Mr. Olympia body building competition. I’m not sure if “starring” is the right word, he is on the poster though. I think this means that this was filmed before Arnold's break out roll in Stay Hungry which came out in 1976. Christ, who knew this was going to be so complicated? It’s like, math or something! Anyways, while this is about the competition, Arnold steals the show with his charisma. Most of the film is set around a rivalry between Arnold and future Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, with Arnold constantly ribbing and eventually driving Lou out of his mind. Lou never “Hulks Out” though, which really would of made the final third of this film interesting. I probably should of spoiler-ed that bit.

There’s not really much to say about this, since it is a documentary. It’s not like you can really criticize or examine performances. I did get two things out of this film though.

1: Body building has really changed. I admittedly know nothing about the sport. I do know that I find body builders freakish and gross. They are just too big, like bizarre versions of people. Or like someone stuck an air tube up their ass and inflated them to barely bursting proportions. This must be a modern thing since in this film, no one is really gross. Lou is on the cusp of being freakish, and actually looks much larger then Arnold. Arnold though, while certainly not small, does however look “naturally” muscular. Everything looks perfectly in proportion on his frame. It’s quite impressive.

2: Anyone who’s seen this movie should not of been the least bit surprised of Arnold’s recent scandals. He frankly admits to being a not all that fussy pussy hound. This type of candid Arnold seems to be long gone. I don’t think you’re going to see much of the Arnold lounging around on a couch with a doobie reminiscing about how awesome he is these days.

And that’s what makes this film kind of sad. I like 1970’s “I take no bullshit” Arnold Schwarzenegger! It’s a shame that’s lost. That’s about all I got on this. If you like body building or documentaries, you will probably like this. If you like Arnold, you will surely like this since this is probably about as close as your going to get to seeing Arnold more like he actually is.

3.5 out of 5 Arnies

So far Arnold's career is going up, up... and maybe away? Next up is Scavenger Hunt. Nope, I never heard of it either. Let's hold thumbs that Arnold does good!

* Just to clear up any confusion, despite what the poster says, there is no blood or guts in this movie.