Review: Pumping Iron


1977 doco directed by George Butler and Robert Fiore introduced mainstream society to the world of bodybuilding. Specifically the film deals with Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger, a champion of Mr. Olympia, looking to make an exit at the top. His main contenders are his close buddy Franco Columbu, a chiropractor by trade, and brooding, partially deaf New Yorker Lou Ferrigno.


Seen today, the film comes off as a little…well, you know…what with the group showers, the oil, the excessive gawking at one’s self in the mirror. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Actually, the film is still fascinating even today, especially if you want to see an early Arnie. Here he comes off as a vain- but deservingly so, in my book, yet good-natured, slightly meat-headed (but not dumb) fellow, who admittedly has a bit of a jerk in him too. Albeit a likeable one who might just be putting it on to give a good show and promote his sport. He plays with poor Ferrigno’s head quite a bit, explains his strategy of psychological head games, and compares ‘pumping up’ to sexual gratification. But he has such a big, goofy grin and a love of life, that you not only can’t take him all that seriously, but you can’t help but like the big oaf. He also steals the entire picture, showing definite signs of the undeniable charisma (if not acting ability) that would serve him well throughout the decades in different arenas (Movies and politics).


Also fascinating is the case study of Lou Ferrigno and his overbearing but well-meaning cop dad Matty, who becomes his trainer (in a contrived addition by the filmmakers). Lou (later to gain a fair amount of fame as “The Incredible Hulk” and recently showing his obvious insecurities on “The Celebrity Apprentice”) comes across as a dim, but really sweet kid, who probably wants his dad to shut the hell up. (I know I sure did. The bit where he tries to show his son how to pose was…well, weird. He meant well, but if you thought your parents were embarrassing…) The underdog is always more interesting, right?


Definitely more for sports and fitness enthusiasts, but non-fans are likely to find the film pretty interesting and engaging too, with some interesting personalities.



Rating: B-

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