The Hero's Drug of Choice

America prides itself on being a dominant super-power in the world. That pride is accompanied by an insatiable desire to “win” and pressure to be the best. Boys grow up idolizing larger than life heroes such as Hulk Hogan, Rambo, Rocky, and Conan. They dream of growing up to be just like them and want to be bigger, stronger, faster, and better than the next guy. What happens when they find out that all of their heroes have a dirty little secret?

The director Christopher Bell brings us an honest, educational, and entertaining documentary that takes a personal look at the win-at-all-cost American culture.
Well narrated and professionally directed, “Bigger Faster Stronger” boasts a diverse cast including government officials, medical experts, elite athletes, average gym-junkies, and the director’s own two brothers.

Are steroids the drug of choice for champions or cheaters? Do you follow the rules or follow your heroes? Is it really cheating if everyone is doing it? “Bigger Faster Stronger” tackles the charged issue of steroid use and raises some good questions but doesn’t answer them for you. Rather, this film presents some interesting ideas and invites the viewer to look past the media hype and rethink the common myths and stereotypes that abound. Different perspectives are offered, political scandals are exposed, and it becomes apparent that there is a discrepancy between the truth and how that truth is often embellished by the media.

As a trainer and strength athlete myself, I found this film to be particularly interesting because it is a subject matter that we are inundated with in the strength athletics and fitness industry. The information was well presented in a humorous and straight forward manner. It is backed up with plenty of research and is also very engaging and easy to follow for those who are unfamiliar with the topic. I give it a rating of 4 ½ out of 5.

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Director: Christopher Bellr
Written by Mr. Bell, Alexander Buono and Tamsin Rawadyr
Director of photography: Mr. Buonor
Edited by Brian Singbielr
Music by Dave Porter
Produced by Mr. Buono, Ms. Rawady and Jim Cza
eckir
Released by Magnolia Pictures.
Running time: 1 hour 33 minutes.
Not rated.