In the 1980s, while many admired Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as entertainment icons, filmmaker Christopher Bell and his brothers idolized them as heroes and ventured into bodybuilding in Poughkeepsie, NY. Inspired by their idols, Mike and Mark Bell even pursued professional wrestling careers. Christopher, who once worked at Venice’s renowned Gold’s Gym, refrained from using anabolic steroids, albeit trying them once, while his brothers embraced them, sparking his curiosity about the moral implications of performance-enhancing substances.
In “Bigger, Stronger, Faster,” Bell explores not only the health risks associated with steroid use but also delves into the ethical dilemmas it poses. While he refrains from passing judgment, he grapples with the sense of dishonesty he feels about using steroids, contrasting with his brothers’ differing views. Through interviews with medical professionals, legal experts, lawmakers, and athletes such as Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis, and Floyd Landis, Bell sheds light on the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in various sports.
The documentary also features footage of prominent athletes like José Canseco, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire testifying during federal grand jury and congressional hearings on steroid use in professional leagues, spurred by Canseco’s controversial book “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big.” Bell leaves no stone unturned in his thought-provoking inquiry, offering a personal and insightful exploration of the cultural and moral implications of steroid use in American society.
“Bigger, Stronger, Faster” is recommended viewing for athletes, sports enthusiasts, health advocates, and anyone interested in the intersection of sports, ethics, and pop culture.
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