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

Himself - Host: Was there any sort of moral bridge to cross when you did this?
Porn Star: Well, we're in the porn business. There's not a whole lot of morals to begin with.

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Connections

References Rocky (1976)

User Reviews

It is about time

My background is such that I've met some of the people in this film, and have substantial experience with the world of bodybuilding. My academic background is in the sciences, and this is a topic I have researched to death.

This film takes an honest view at steroids, and more importantly at the attitudes that push people towards altering "what god gave them". If anything it should make people realize the problem isn't a single class of drugs that has been sensationalized, but a growing problem of body dimorphism. It is self worth, and self-esteem in a bottle. And there is nothing "biased towards steroids" about that message. If anything it is simply one of several performance enhancement methods he demonstrates.

I know to many the movie seems biased. But to anyone who has done the research, it isn't so much this movie is biased as the media depiction of these drugs is as ridiculous as the media's depiction of marijuana in "Reefer Madness". People are so bombarded with misinformation about drugs in general in America, that when they are shown something honest, it rocks their point of reference and they feel it is biased.

What this documentary is, is eye opening, honest, and very complete in it's presentation. More so then any other documentary I've seen on the topic.