Documentary Films - Competition 2008 / Bigger, Stronger, Faster* / USA 2007
“Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser” goes the quote used in this dynamic documentary glance at a society that naively prides itself on superlatives. Using the example of his own family, whose members succumb to the fleeting magic of steroids in the hopes of looking like Rambo or Conan, the director congenially illustrates the pitfalls behind the philosophy of “victory at all cost”.
“Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser” says General Patton in one clip used in this dynamic documentary glance at a society that naively prides itself on superlatives. Using the example of his own brothers, who succumb to the fleeting magic of steroids in the hopes of looking like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, director Christopher Bell congenially illustrates the pitfalls behind the philosophy of victory at any cost. This visually souped-up and brilliantly edited documentary produced by the creators of Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 offers an original mix of extremely familiar pop-culture references and an intimate story with a comedic-dramatic tone. Confessions from members of the American Congress, professional athletes and medical experts frankly illustrate the unflattering image of a “nation on steroids” and raise an unspoken question: When you discover that your heroes have all broken the rules, do you follow the rules, or do you follow your heroes?
105 min / Color, 35 mm
Director Christopher Bell
/ Screenplay Christopher Bell, Alex Buono, Tamsin Rawady
/ Dir. of Photography Alex Buono
/ Music Dave Porter
/ Editor Brian Singbiel
/ Producer Alex Buono, Tamsin Rawady, Jim Czarnecki
/ Production BSF FILM
/ Contact Magnolia Pictures
www: www.biggerstrongerfastermovie.com
Christopher Bell grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he dedicated himself to his two great passions, filmmaking and weight lifting while he was still a teenager. In high school Christopher directed a music video that won the Sony/AFI Visions of US award for Best Music Video. One of the jurors at the competition, Francis Ford Coppola, recommended Christopher to the USC School of Cinema/Television, where he graduated in 1995. He then wrote, directed and produced the anti-smoking themed short film, Billy Jones, which he screened at a number of festivals. His two passions led him to a position as producer and writer for World Wrestling Entertainment. Bigger, Stronger, Faster is his first documentary feature.
Magnolia Pictures
49 West 27th Street, 7th Floor, 10001, New York
United States of America
Phone: +1 212 924 6701
Fax: +1 212 924 6742
E-mail: [email protected]
Tamsin Rawady
Film Director / Producer
Alex Buono
Film Director / Producer
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