Arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a larger than life character, both literally in his prime, and in terms of charisma. I think the era when I grew up was the era of these really muscular action stars not only in films but in other entertainment like the WWF. And it's kind of funny how there was a big scandal when it was discovered that professional wrestlers were using steroids, but Arnold had admitted to using steroids a decade previously in the great film Pumping Iron and claimed that all bodybuilders use steroids. This documentary series does a good job of showing his charisma but also the contradictions in his character. For example, he is well known for his environmentalism, but he is also credited with popularizing hummers, the most anti-eco form of transportation man has ever invented. There's also this contradiction between his supernatural drive to be successful at whatever he does and the darkness that resides in his soul due to being raised by an abusive Nazi. And while it is clear that this documentary would have never been made without the subject's permission, it doesn't shy away from criticizing him for his sexual scandals and also the failings of his personal life. This documentary series allows the subject to be himself, but also examines what his life has meant. Very well done.