A foreigner with a thick accent gets to the #1 spot in Sports, Movies and Politics?
You can argue he’d win the U.S. presidency if allowed (he was born in Austria).
“Arnold” is the best documentary on Arnold Schwarzenegger, me thinks.
The second best is “Pumping Iron”.
Note: If you want to see another guy who won big in 3 different careers, check out “All Madden” (the documentary).
Trailer for “Arnold”
Watch “Arnold”
You can watch the “Arnold” doc on Netflix (it’s a Netflix Original) on https://www.netflix.com/title/81317673.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 94/100 (Users); 73/100 (Critics)
Release Date: June 7, 2023
My Review of “Arnold”
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life reads like a Hollywood script, and the Netflix docuseries “Arnold” brings it all to the screen.
Over three parts, this docuseries traces Schwarzenegger’s transformation from a young bodybuilder in Austria to a global icon. Directed by Lesley Chilcott (“An Inconvenient Truth”), it’s a raw and revealing look at the muscle, ambition, and relentless drive behind the man.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
Arnold’s upbringing was tough. His father was a strict disciplinarian who made Arnold and his brother earn their breakfast each morning by doing push-ups. No push-ups? No food. This early discipline laid the foundation for Arnold’s relentless work ethic.
Reg Park, a bodybuilder who also played Hercules on screen, became Arnold’s inspiration. He didn’t just admire Park—he eventually trained with him and later beat him to win his third Mr. Universe title.
But Arnold keeps it real: he admits all bodybuilders of the era used steroids, which gave him a “5% lift.”
Another you-can’t-make-this-up moment? When Arnold moved to the U.S., he celebrated his first birthday ever with his girlfriend. In Austria, birthdays were not a thing in his household.
From Pumping Iron to Hollywood
The first episode, Athlete, explores Arnold’s meteoric rise in bodybuilding and his early business acumen. After coming to America and winning more titles, Arnold became a millionaire—not from movies, but from smart real estate investments before he was a star.
The 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron” took bodybuilding to the mainstream and featured one of Arnold’s most eyebrow-raising quotes: “The greatest feeling you can have in the gym is the pump.
It is equal to me as with a girl having sex…and coming.” That quote is as infamous as the movie itself.
Arnold’s breakthrough came when John Milius cast him in “Conan the Barbarian” (1982). The film was a $90 million hit, cementing him as an action star. Arnold’s gratitude is palpable: “From bodybuilding to show business and acting. Only in America,” he says.
Lesser-known tidbit: During “Conan,” Arnold had to dial down his strength to avoid accidentally injuring his co-stars during fight scenes.
Terminator and Politics
The second episode, Actor, dives into his Hollywood superstardom. “The Terminator” (1984), directed by James Cameron, made him a household name.
Arnold famously challenged one of the movie’s lines, wanting to say “I’ll come back” instead of “I’ll be back.” Cameron stood firm, and “I’ll be back” went on to become one of the most famous lines in cinema history.
The episode also covers his relationship with Maria Shriver, niece of JFK. Their marriage was the epitome of a Hollywood power couple. However, their relationship faced challenges, particularly when Arnold’s political career took off.
Political Challenges and Scandal
The final episode, American, tackles Arnold’s leap into politics. In 2003, during California’s recall election of Governor Gray Davis, Arnold stunned everyone by announcing his candidacy on “The Tonight Show.”
He won the election and served as California’s governor for two terms. His time in office was filled with challenges, especially around the state budget, but he championed environmental issues.
Yet, the doc doesn’t shy away from Arnold’s personal controversies. Weeks before the election, The Los Angeles Times published allegations that he had groped multiple women over the years.
Between six and 15 women came forward. Despite the scandal, Arnold still won the election with over 48% of the vote in a crowded field.
Lesser-known tidbit: Even after the allegations, his reputation as a strong leader carried him through two terms in office.
Wrap Up
“Arnold” is more than a tribute—it’s an in-depth portrait of a man who continuously reinvented himself. From a young bodybuilder who beat his idol Reg Park, to becoming a Hollywood superstar, and then a governor, Schwarzenegger’s story is the ultimate reinvention tale. His admission of steroid use, his family struggles, and his political controversies make this documentary series both gripping and real.
If you think you know everything about Arnold Schwarzenegger, this docuseries will surprise you. It’s a fascinating look at ambition, success, and the costs of greatness.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc