A new documentary film about bodybuilders
Arnold Schwarzenegger strikes a pose during the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, where he presented "Pumping Iron," a documentary that spread his name and fame well beyond bodybuilding circles. (AFP/Getty Images)
Vlad Yudin didn't move from Moscow to New York City to make a documentary movie on the subculture of professional bodybuilding. It just worked out that way.
The 30 year old filmmaker ("Last Day of Summer," the upcoming "Catskill Park") arrived in this country at age 12. Like many in his industry, these days he's multicoastal, although the Big Apple remains his home base.
Lots more travel looms. Yudin's latest documentary, "Generation Iron," opens nationwide Sept. 20. Screenings in Denver and Colorado Springs will introduce local viewers to an entirely new breed of bodybuilders.
Mr. Olympia Phil Heath shows off his build ahead of the IFBB Australian Pro Grand Prix XIII in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Robert Cianflone, Getty Images)
Thirty six years have passed since "Pumping Iron" hit theaters. Directors George Butler and Robert Fiore took the public into California's famed Gold's Gym, where he documented bodybuilders as they prepared for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests. The film put a young Austrian immigrant named Arnold Schwarzenegger on the road to stardom, and his friend and competitor Lou Ferrigno also enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. Publics now in mainstream weight rooms, pro bodybuilding has left its mark on Hollywood action films. Sure, '50s era film stars such new balance 574 womens navy as Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas were hunky guys, but today's big screen heroes Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig and company are positively ripped.
Yudin recently took time to talk about his film and the sport.
Q: What spurred your interest in making this film?
Then California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger presents Kai Greene with the trophy for winning the 2009 Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition during the Arnold Sports Festival. (Jay LaPrete, Associated Press file)
A: In many ways professional bodybuilding is an unexplored subject. At first I just wanted to learn more about this world. When I talked to a few bodybuilders I saw the potential for a film. They're really dynamic people. The film is really a journey into a world that isn't really well known.
Q: How accessible were the bodybuilders as documentary subjects?
A: I don't come from a bodybuilding background myself, so I had to develop a level of trust with them. Other people have treated the subject with a lack of objectivity even making fun of it. I wanted to strike a balance. Being a bodybuilder is a tough job. You have to be dedicated 24/7 it's a real grind.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you about their lives?
A: Absolutely. I had seven main guys, all different. I learned a lot about them. I was surprised at how intelligent they are. They have a meticulous and scientific approach to their lives. As a bodybuilder, you're essentially an artist. Your body is the canvas or the block of marble you're sculpting. It's one of the toughest sports out there. You're a creator. Little by little you're creating a masterpiece, and it takes years and years of dedication and deprivation.
Q: What changes has the sport undergone since "Pumping Iron" came out in 1977?
A. Back then it was more of an amateur sport. Today they're professionals. It's how they make their living. They consider themselves professional athletes. "Pumping Iron" started changing how we look at the musculature of action movie heroes. There's still a debate over the best bodybuilding type. Some like today's look with more mass. Others like the sleek Frank Zane look. (A reference to a 1970s era bodybuilding star known for his lean, Greek statue proportions.) But most people go to shows to see someone different, extraordinary. Someone not like themselves.
Q: Did the bodybuilders talk about steroid use at all? Lifters today have so much more mass and musculature than even outright superstars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno had.
A: We talk about it new balance 574 womens navy in the film. To make an honest film you have to talk about it. When you see that mass you can't help but thinking "cheating" or "using drugs." But in this day and age it's a conversation in all pro sports.
Q: Is there any single compelling figure in the movie, someone who could become a breakout star like Arnold did?
A. I absolutely think so. Phil Heath (a two time Mr. Olympia and former University of Denver basketball player) and Kai Green (a top pro with a 58 inch chest.) Both have amazing personalities, though they're New Balance 574 very different from each other. I definitely think both of them could have a place in the entertainment industry. They're really charismatic personalities. These guys will hold your attention.
Q: What's your personal view of bodybuilding as a pursuit?
A: I look at it as an art form in many new balance 574 womens grey pink ways. Bodybuilding should have more mainstream appreciation. It's a mental as well as physical thing. It's not just going to the gym and lifting weights. It's deeper than that.
A: I didn't realize how much these guys were being judged by society. They get on a plane and people stare at them. Some don't want to be around them. They're often viewed negatively. Some see beauty and art, others think it's a freak show.