Bigger, Stronger, Faster

The American self-image relies on supremacy. Losers are not accepted in a culture that sees itself as the peerless cream of the crop. Bodybuilding director Chris Bell confronts American obsession with victory by exposing one of its side-effects: steroids. Is it strange, asks Bell, that steroids are so commonly used when the prevailing mentality is to not tolerate failures? And what is more dangerous in the end: the steroids, or the society that creates a need for their existence?

Bell bases the inquiry on his own weight-lifting brothers, both of whom are on steroids. Like runway models, they are obsessed with their looks and their weight. We follow the family as they attempt to give us the truth behind the myth of steroids, and we are introduced to a number of charismatic characters with different views on the subject. Is it cheating if everyone does it?, says Bell in this fascinating documentary. We might disapprove of drugs, but maybe we disapprove even more of losing.

Premiere Status
European Premiere: Cast
Christopher Bell, Mark Bell, Mike Bell, Christian Boeving, Rosemary Bell, Sheldon Bell, Rick Collins, Wade Exum, Donald Hooton: Producer
Alexander Buono, Tamsin Rawady, Jim Czarnecki: Script
Christopher Bell, Alexander Buono, Tamsin Rawady: Cinematography
Alexander Buono: Spoken language
English