Arnold

I am not only a movie buff from France but also a former bodybuilder from my late teen and early adult years. I was totally dedicated in this sport, totally. It was my blood, my spirit, my guts, my sweat. Arnold Schwarzenneger was my idol. I read more stuff about him than anyone else, I bought enough Joe Weider's Muscle Builder magazines to fill up a warehouse or a library, I watched PUMPING IRON dozens of times and thought I knew everything about Arnold. But after watching this series, I suddenly realize how wrong I was. I learned no many things here, saw so many archives videos, footage that I am stunned. And here Arnold is so honest, so sensitive, so poignant. He tells everything about his childhood, his family life with his brother, father, mother, his feelings, his mistakes. He hides absolutely nothing. Except MAYBE sexual details.... He even admits to have taken steroids four months a year during the first part of the seventies, preparing his Mr Olympia contests. He also admits, confesses to have behaved like a German war machine, a robot, an unbeatable, indestructible machine, as later his terrific TERMINATOR character, at least the first one, forget the rest for me. Yes TERMINATOR is the best allegory of what Arnold was during his contest years, a war machine to win, a smart, brilliant machine, millions miles away from all clichés about muscle bound, beefcakes bobybuilders. Arnold was the antithesis of the common bodybuilding image. He did more for bodybuilding - and also himself of course, because he was the most selfish man in the world - he admits it - than any other champion since. But as an actor, he had only a presence, he has never been a actor for me, ONLY A PRESENCE, A F...PRESENCE: TERMINATOR, CONAN THE BARBARIAN and a couple of other excellent flicks such as PREDATOR. This is a damn good document about A S, the best ever for me. He had great genetics, was strong minded, the determination to move mountains, and above all was lucky enough to meet the proper, "good" persons, first in Munich, back in the sixties, and then of course later with the likes of Joe Weider and the Kennedy family, and I am sure many more people in the movie industry. Because, I know, of his terrific charm. Many bodybuilders were luckier than him in terms of genetics - Sergio Oliva - many bodybuilders were also very determined, but those athletes were less lucky than him, less intelligent and also had less charm. I just try here to analyze the reasons of his success.

Arnie's story has a little bit of everything - it is to noone's surprise that Netflix attempts a 3-episode mini-series based on his life. Here, the segregation makes perfect sense. This also helps cover various details and developments primarily from the perspective of Arnold himself, alongside the people who were around him in these distinct phases. Part 1 is interesting to those who'd like to know more about his uneasy upbringing in Austria, his body-building days, and the various struggles he faced while also showcasing superlative levels of ambition and determination. For those who have seen Pumping Iron, there probably won't be much to chew on, but hearing it all from the horse's mouth once again (w/ remarkable footage) is always captivating.

Part 2 focuses on what we already know a lot about, with folks like James Cameron, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and his arch-rival (of the times) Sly Stallone offering insights into his much celebrated film career. This is the episode where Arnie gets a bit self-indulgent, and he, for sure, indirectly propagated the idea of masculinity among mainstream audiences by being the invincible saviour (or the killing machine) - bikes, tanks, leather jackets, cigars, and a beefy body all part of the "star" package. It's the same thing that WWE did with Hulk Hogan back then. They created a pop culture icon that Americans and people around the world could look up to. But when you look at Arnie's filmography, you wouldn't stumble across many memorable characters except for The Terminator, and that isn't the kind of role you get a Golden Globe or an Academy Award nomination for.

Part 3 was truly the most discerning, given how his political career boasted greater dramatic highs and lows compared to his film career. His personal life also goes for a toss at this time, with past demons catching up to him. Thankfully, his failures are not brushed aside as insignificant, and they're duly acknowledged. In fact, it is clearly reflected in the way how Arnie lives his life in his mansion mostly around a bunch of animals (and not his family), and only one of his children agree to feature in the series, and even she doesn't offer a sound bite. The separation from his wife Maria and the late acceptance of a child-out-of-wedlock are also discussed, and surprisingly, there's a short scene of Arnie and his neglected son (who resembles him the most) working out together too.

Considering the overall picture, this is Arnold telling his version of his story. It is beautifully told, and the visual choices employed by director Lesley Chilcott are enjoyable (especially loved that dimly lit room where Arnie sits and glances at photographs). He will continue to remain a man who made a difference - be it in the world of body-building, cinema, or politics.

I've always liked him, but never knew much about him till now. I knew he was a bodybuilder, wealthy from real estate, was Governor and had an affair, but that was all I knew really. These filmmakers and editors were quite brilliant in their delivery of information about an extremely driven and engaging person who has truly done things his way, but realizes that he could never do it alone.

He is humble, observant, smart, self-reflective, honest in his look at family, his foibles and strengths, and an incredible person from start to finish. And he loves an array of animals! He has changed the world in so many varying ways, film, politics, climate change, sports, popular history and more, that it is outstanding that we have had the opportunity to live in the same time period as this powerhouse.

Bravo to the filmmakers, and thank you Arnold for your contributions to the world.

Every bodybuilding and Arnold fan has always been sad that there doesn't exist more footage of Arnold pumping iron back in the 70s. This documentary features so much footage which we've never seen before. Not only video footage from the gym but also footage from movie premieres and forgotten interviews. This is a must-watch for every Arnold fan.

Even fans who have read his biography have something to learn. And for those who have not been in for a ride. A superbly edited documentary that keeps the viewer's attention throughout. Not only informative but also motivational. Arnold showed us all that the American dream is possible. You can do anything as long as you set your mind to it. Arnold is a legend.

I was surprised. The transparency and depth of his background really surprised me. The first episode sees Arnold opening up about his home town and parental upbringing. He doesn't pull any punches here. Seeing him in the very same bedroom...and bed...where he began his quest was mind blowing for me. Hi journey to America was detailed as was his acknowledgement of those who supported him...both financially and physically. Franco and Frank were key in his personal life providing guidance and friendship. It was a breath of fresh air to hear him open up about steroids as well. I am really looking forward to the next 2 episodes, hoping he leaves the vegan nonsense out of it. A great documentary so far.