Pumping Iron

Dir. George Butler, 1977 85 min.

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 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 as Bodybuilding and a celebrity-to-be go mainstream. 

Q&A George Butler & Larry Silk

Pumping Iron II: The Women

Dir. George Butler, 1985, 107 min.

“One of Gloria Steinem’s favorite films!” Four women who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of their conception of the “perfect” female form, spending grueling hours torturing themselves on Nautilus machines and browning themselves under tanning lamps prepare for the 1983 Caesars Palace World Cup.