Pumping Iron

Watch: Pumping Iron

1/18/19771h 26m

Theatrical Release (US)

Overview:

Amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests as five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young Lou Ferrigno.

Director:

George Butler

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$1,000,000.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

competition
training
bodybuilding
behind the scenes
sports documentary
bodybuilding competition
weight training
body builders
competitor
physical training
bodybuilders

Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger

~ as ~

Self

Lou Ferrigno

~ as ~

Self

Mike Katz

~ as ~

Self

Serge Nubret

~ as ~

Self

Franco Columbu

~ as ~

Self

Ed Corney

~ as ~

Self

Ken Waller

~ as ~

Self

Robbie Robinson

~ as ~

Self

Marianne Claire

~ as ~

Self

Roger Callard

~ as ~

Self

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

cineast78
Written 7 month(s) ago
9
Probably the most significant film about bodybuilding ever made.

This film is a masterclass for any documentary filmmaker—though it's more of a docudrama than a traditional documentary. Fiction and reality are cleverly intertwined in a way that helped lay the groundwork for the subsequent bodybuilding and fitness boom. It also introduced the public to a man who would go on to achieve even greater success in many fields, often as a pioneer, and sometimes in situations where no one believed in him: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

At his peak as a "bodybuilder," Arnie is portrayed as someone who is sharp and ruthless, willing to sacrifice everything—absolutely everything—for success. Lou Ferrigno, later known for portraying the Hulk in the TV series, plays his rival, a shy and vulnerable individual with a dominant and pushing father. These two opposing forces are used to represent the 1970s U.S. bodybuilding scene and make it accessible to the public.