I re-watched Pumping Iron last night for the first time in about 10 years. That film is amazing on so many levels. The cinematography is perfect and innovative, they were using a new lightweight 16mm camera that allowed them access and mobility unlike anything shot before. The characters are well-developed, and even though some situations and relationships were manufactured, or at least adjusted for effect, it watches like a pure documentary. And then there’s Arnold. It’s incredible how much charisma he had even back then, as if he knew where he was going and exactly what he was going to become. That kind of single-minded drive is rare and impressive, and should be celebrated.
This clip above is from an old cop show called Streets of San Francisco, and shows Arnold in one of his earliest acting roles. It’s not perfect, and he is no Brando, but the guy has energy.
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