Bigger Stronger Faster* Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three brothers try to get swole, one says no to juice, while the others become human water balloons, all while exploring America’s weird obsession with being the best, even if it means cheating.

🍿 Bigger Stronger Faster*: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The American Dream and Physical Ideals

Director Chris Bell explores the pervasive ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality in American culture, particularly its impact on physical ideals. He investigates how this pressure contributes to the allure of performance-enhancing drugs. The film sets the stage by introducing Bell’s own upbringing and fascination with muscular heroes from movies and professional wrestling.

Personal Journeys: The Bell Brothers

The core narrative follows the journeys of Bell and his two brothers, Mike and Mark, as they navigate the world of bodybuilding and powerlifting. Mike aspires to professional wrestling fame, while Mark seeks success in powerlifting competitions. The documentary delves into their personal decisions regarding steroid use and the consequences they face.

Debate and Hypocrisy

Bell interviews various figures, from athletes and medical experts to politicians, to examine the controversy surrounding anabolic steroids. The film highlights the hypocrisy within the sports industry and government regarding performance enhancement. It also questions the double standards applied to steroid use compared to other forms of enhancement and even legal substances like alcohol and tobacco.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris Bell (Chris Bell): The director who explores America’s win-at-all-costs culture and his family’s relationship with steroids.
• Mike Bell (Mike Bell): Chris’s older brother, a former athlete who pursues a career in professional wrestling while using steroids.
• Mark Bell (Mark Bell): Chris’s younger brother who becomes a competitive powerlifter and steroid user despite family concerns.
• Sheldon Bell (Sheldon Bell): The father of Chris, Mike, and Mark, who provides a grounded perspective on his sons’ choices.
• Rosemary Bell (Rosemary Bell): The mother of Chris, Mike and Mark, struggles with her sons’ steroid use.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chris Bell – Host: “Was there any sort of moral bridge to cross when you did this?” – This is a question he asks a porn star about using enhancements, highlighting the moral compromises people make for success.
• Porn Star: “Well, we’re in the porn business. There’s not a whole lot of morals to begin with.” – The porn star’s blunt response exemplifies the film’s exploration of ethical boundaries in pursuit of success.
• Chris Bell – Host: “Is it still cheating if everyone’s doing it?” – This questions explores the ethical gray area when performance enhancement becomes widespread.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $308,575
• Worldwide Gross: $308,575

💥 Bigger Stronger Faster* Reviews

Personal Review

As someone who grew up in the ’80s, I was instantly drawn to this documentary. It made me question everything I thought I knew about my childhood heroes and the pressure to succeed. The exploration of American culture’s obsession with winning is particularly poignant. The honesty of the Bell family is what resonated with me most, it’s a raw, real look at the sacrifices people make to chase their dreams. Definitely thought-provoking and highly recommended.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Those interested in documentaries about American culture”
  • “Individuals curious about the debate surrounding performance-enhancing drugs”
  • “People interested in bodybuilding and fitness culture”
  • “Viewers who enjoy thought-provoking films that challenge societal norms”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Thematic material involving drug use”
  • “Some language”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Discussion of steroid side effects”
  • “Mature themes and sensitive subject matter”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Explores America’s win-at-all-cost culture through the lens of bodybuilding and performance enhancement, examining the sacrifices made in pursuit of physical perfection and the blurred lines between dedication and obsession. A compelling look into the steroid subculture and its impact on individuals.
• The Wrap: “A deep dive into the world of bodybuilding, wrestling and performance enhancement drugs. Exposing the underbelly of ambition and the lengths to which people will go to achieve physical ideals. Explores the complex relationship between dreams and reality.

Audience Reactions

The film provides an even-handed look at the controversy surrounding anabolic steroids.: Viewers appreciate the movie’s ability to present both sides of the argument fairly.

The personal stories of the Bell family resonated with many viewers.: The documentary’s human element made it both relatable and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking documentary that examines the complexities of performance enhancement, the American obsession with winning, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of physical perfection.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film explores the director’s personal relationship with his brothers, both of whom used steroids, adding a layer of emotional depth and complexity to the subject matter.”
• “Chris Bell created his own supplement to demonstrate how most of the stuff on the market is total BS.”
• “Months after the film was released, Chris Bell’s older brother, Mark Bell, passed away at a rehabilitation facility due to accidental inhalation of difluoroethane.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bigger Stronger Faster*?

As a documentary film, ‘Bigger Stronger Faster*’ is available on streaming platforms for rental or purchase, and may be found on services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options can vary by region. Keep an eye out for special features or director’s commentary that may enhance the viewing experience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bigger Stronger Faster*, you might like these similar films:

• Icarus (2017): A documentary that unexpectedly uncovers a state-sponsored doping program in Russia, revealing the dark side of competitive sports and international politics, similar to how ‘Bigger Stronger Faster*’ examines the win-at-all-costs mentality.
• Pumping Iron (1977): Provides a look into the world of bodybuilding during Arnold Schwarzenegger’s prime. Though it doesn’t focus on performance-enhancing drugs to the same extent, it shares a similar interest in the pursuit of physical perfection and the culture surrounding it.
• Generation Iron (2013): A modern look at bodybuilding culture, similar to Pumping Iron but updated for a new generation. Like ‘Bigger Stronger Faster*’, it examines the dedication and sacrifices required to achieve extreme physical results.

🛒 Bigger Stronger Faster* Related Products

• Pumping Iron: The classic bodybuilding documentary that inspired Chris Bell and his brothers, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. A must-see for anyone interested in the origins of the bodybuilding subculture.
• Steroid Nation: A comprehensive and honest exploration of steroids. Addresses the ethical issues while uncovering hypocrisy. Required viewing for anyone interested in bodybuilding.
• WWE Wrestling: Play as characters inspired by Hulk Hogan and other legendary wrestlers, experiencing the world that Mike Bell aspired to join.
• Gold’s Gym Apparel: Rock the iconic Gold’s Gym logo, paying homage to the bodybuilding mecca featured in the documentary. Show your dedication to fitness and the pursuit of physical excellence.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bigger Stronger Faster* features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “N/A” – performed by N/A

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BIGGER STRONGER FASTER* Deleted Scene-Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler

Ever wonder what didn’t make the final cut of Bigger Stronger Faster? Check out this deleted scene featuring Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler – it’s a fascinating look at a different side of the steroid debate and bodybuilding!

Chris Bell Interview: The Price of Steroids | Iron Cinema

Want to hear the inside scoop straight from the director? Chris Bell shares some amazing insights about the backlash he received from the bodybuilding community after releasing Bigger Stronger Faster. It’s a really eye-opening interview!

How to make your own supplement company

This clip from the movie is wild! It shows how easy it can be to start your own supplement company. It’s a bit cynical, but definitely makes you think twice about what’s in those protein powders!

Bigger Stronger Faster Documentary Review @hodgetwins

The Hodge Twins give their take on Bigger Stronger Faster. If you want a quick and comedic review of the documentary before you watch it, these guys will make you laugh and give you some insight too!

✨ Rate