Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008)

In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing ... See full summary »

Director:

Chris Bell

Writers:

Chris Bell, Alexander Buono,

Stars:

Chris Bell, Hank Aaron, Mark Bell

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Chris Bell	...	Himself - Host
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hank Aaron	...	Himself (archive footage)
Lyle Alzado	...	Himself (archive footage)
Joshua Amsden	...	Himself
Ben Aukes	...	Himself
Kelly Beecher	...	Himself
Mark Bell	...	Himself
Mike Bell	...	Himself
Rosemary Bell	...	Herself
Sheldon Bell	...	Himself
Joe Biden	...	Himself (archive footage) (as Sen. Joseph Biden)
Mike Blanton	...	Himself
Christian Boeving	...	Himself
Barry Bonds	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jim Bunning	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? Director Christopher Bell explores America's win-at-all-cost culture by examining how his two brothers became members of the steroid-subculture in an effort to realize their American dream.

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Plot Keywords:

performance enhancing | drug | gi joe | stadium | brother brother relationship | 

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Taglines:

The side effects of being American.

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Genres:

Documentary | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving drugs, language, some sexual content and violent images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bigger Stronger Faster*: *The Side Effects of Being American

Filming Locations:

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$31,576 (USA) (30 May 2008)

Gross:

$307,811 (USA) (15 August 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

BSF Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Fighter Pilot: In sports you should play fair. In war, you shouldn't play fair at all.

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Connections

Features Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

User Reviews

A honest look at Steroids in American Culture

I just recently saw this film at Sundance Film Festival. I loved it. It was the best of the three documentary competition movies I was able to watch. Chris Bell does an amazing job taking an intimate, honest look at American culture and Steroid use. He essentially sets up himself and his family as a case study for his movie. He looks at himself and his family in an honest, open, and introspective manner. He causes the viewer to reevaluate their pre-conceived notions of steroid use and American values. His investigations on the subject include interviews with experts including his own mother and Olympic greats Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson. It is thought provoking, clever, and insightful, all while remaining objective. All things that define a great documentary in my book.