Some may look at Arnold Schwarzenegger today and see somebody who might be past his prime as both an actor or politician (not true, people, he still has something to offer!!), but it is easy to forget the foundations on which his success as a cinematic superstar were created.
In the new documentary from producer/director Marc Martinez, DREAM BIG – A GOLDEN TIME IN THE GOLDEN STATE, we are transported back to the hedonistic 1970, post-hippy era of Southern California, namely Venice Beach, where a community that seemingly was struggling to evolve suddenly found a voice through the body beautifuls of the likes of Arnie and many of those who were involved in helping the area become a magnet for many a global geek keen to improve their own self-esteem and self-worth by pumping reps and barbells.
We see the marketing potential of a soon-to-be-established sport, as well as the effect that George Butler’s 1977 film PUMPING IRON as well as Arnie’s screen appearance in Bob Rafelson’s STAY HUNGRY (opposite Jeff Bridges and Sally Field) – both based on books by Charles Gaines – helped enhance a more positive promotion and profile for these individuals determined to prove their worth and weight in gold.
The film, with reflections via interview transcripts by Donna Wong, incorporates a lot of key elements and was produced with help from GoFundMe, Iron Age History and private donors. It reflects on the rivalry of venues like Vince’s and Gold’s Gym in Venice and the fact that living was easy and pretty cheap given the location along the Pacific. Some of the participants have since passed away (touched upon in the end credits) but their stories and insights make compelling and terrific viewing.
This is both a stand-alone and terrific companion piece to PUMPING IRON and one of the best independently-funded documentaries of recent years. It will gain ground and will be something that Arnie and the other pioneers of the time it looks at should be proud of and promote in the future.
The Los Angeles International Film Festival (LAIFF) runs from 16th – 21st November 2021. For information and tickets etc, please go to:
www.laiff.org
