Pumping Iron
From Gold's Gym in Venice Beach California to the showdown in Pretoria, amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests in this part-scripted, part-documentary film.
Five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young deaf Lou Ferrigno, whose father is his coach; the ruthless champ psyches out the young lion. Sardinian Franco Columbu competes in the lightweight class; at home in Italy he solves a tight parking problem by lifting the car into place. Joe Weider is the marketer; Mike Katz and Ken Waller go for the title of Mr. Universe. Bodybuilding and a celebrity-to-be go mainstream.
Critic Reviews:
- " When documentary buffs insist filmic truth is better than fiction, they'll cite this absorbing look at bodybuilding. " – Chris Willman
- " [Schwarzenegger] carries that phenomenal physique so nonchalantly that one can't help feeling charmed and reassured. " – Gary Arnold
- " Fascinating stuff when viewed in the context of Arnie's now notorious political career. " – Danny Graydon