Pumping Iron

Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to mainstream prominence with his unforgettable star appearance in this supremely entertaining docudrama, which also helped popularize the once-niche world of bodybuilding. Tracing the lead-up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition, PUMPING IRON zooms in on the deviously charismatic Schwarzenegger as he prepares to defend his title against scrappy newcomer Lou Ferrigno. What ensues is both a fascinating, often witty glimpse into a singular subculture and a revealing look at the human beings beneath the godlike physiques.