subject: Aronold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 Movie Pumping Iron [print this page] Aronold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 Movie Pumping Iron
Pumping Iron is a documentary made in 1977 starring the five-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the film, amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests. People who are interested in Arnold Schwarzenegger and bodybuilding should watch this documentary.
Pumping Iron offers a great insight into Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career. This documentary graphically shows that it takes a lot of discipline and motivation to push past the pain barrier in order to step on stage. While watching the film, I noticed that the only lifestyle that these men had was to eat, sleep, and train. Many people believe that three to four hours in the gym is overworking your muscles, but to Arnold and many other bodybuilders, it is just another day in the office. Arnold's humor and personality is another reason why people should view this documentary.
Even though Pumping Iron does a good job introducing us to the sport of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in the movie cannot be ignored. He is without a doubt competitive and has a reasonably high opinion of himself. At one point in the documentary, Arnold compares his bodybuilding routine to what an artist like Michelangelo created. Schwarzenegger's natural charm and humor are undeniable. I can understand why the filmmakers felt like they needed Arnold in order to sell their film.
Also, watching Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno's rivalry shows how competitive bodybuilding can be. The two men constantly train to beat the other. Arnold was very dedicated to winning the Mr. Olympia title. Arnold was so committed that he did not attend his father's funeral in Austria because he was training. Bodybuilding must have been Arnold's top priority in his social and personal life. The 1975 Mr. Olympia was also his last competition before retiring. He was willing to put forth all his efforts in order to win the competition.
On the other hand is his nemesis, Lou Ferrigno. People might recognize him from the television series "The Incredible Hulk". But that was not all he was known for. Ferrigno started weight training at the early age of thirteen. Most people often made fun of him because of his small size and his disability. As an infant and into early adolescent Lou suffered an ear infection and lost some of his hearing. After graduating from high school, he won his first major titles as a bodybuilder. The first year he competed in Mr. Olympia, he placed second.
The day of the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition started with pre-judging. The bodybuilders posed and showed off their muscular features on their extremely fit bodies. Later that evening, the real competition was to take place. First, Arnold went out and showed the crowd and judges his physique. Confident and cocky as always Arnold thought had taken the title. Next, it was Lou Ferrigno's turn to show off what he had worked on. Finally, it was time to announce the winner of the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition.
Unanimously, Arnold took the title for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and announces his retirement. Lou Ferrigno placed third in the competition. In the end, the two became close friends and spread the sport of bodybuilding worldwide. This ended Arnold's career in bodybuilding and started his new career in acting and later the governor of California.
However, Schwarzenegger came out of retirement, to compete in the 1980 Mr. Olympia competition. At the time Arnold was training for the movie, Conan. Arnold was in such good shape because of the running, horseback riding, and sword training that he decided he wanted to compete in the Mr. Olympia contest one last time. Arnold ended up winning the competition with only seven weeks of preparation. After being declared Mr. Olympia for the final time, Schwarzenegger officially retired from bodybuilding.
This landmark film offers great insight into bodybuilding while introducing Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as a bodybuilder. Pumping Iron remains meaningful not only due to its historical significance, but Arnold introduction to the world of bodybuilding, and for bringing awareness and respectability to bodybuilding. Also the documentary's considerable educational and entertainment value makes the movie a great film for everyone.
