A documentary look at the steroid controversy, as filmmaker Chris Bell looks at both sides of the issue, as well as exploring his own brothers’ use of steroids.

CRITIQUE

The debate about steroids seems on the surface to be very one-sided; in the media in particular, the idea has always been that steroids are bad for use, and that its use represents cheating.  But Bigger Stronger Faster does a great job exploring the other side of the issue, raising a lot of questions about our country in the process.  This is a fascinating documentary, and it is well worth a look.

The film has a good hook, too, as filmmaker Chris Bell centers it on his own experiences and that of his older and younger brother; Chris briefly tried steroids, while his brothers are more habitual users, older brother Mike an aspiring professional wrestler, and younger brother Mark a weightlifter.  Chris always believed that it was morally wrong, and what gives a spine to the whole film is that it really represents his own attempt to try and explore the feelings swirling around in his own head.

Chris interviews people on both sides of the issue, as well as exploring a bevy of aspects to it.  We learn that there is actually little real evidence that steroids are all that dangerous – in fact they are regularly used for medically-beneficial reasons – while side effects like “roid rage” might be being blown out of proportion as well. 

Though steroids obviously give a problematic benefit to athletes, Chris nicely wonders why other things that give a similar benefit, like training at high altitude or using an atmosphere chamber, are considered okay, or whether drug use is cheating in other fields, like porn or for military pilots.  There’s also a solid exploration of an American culture that creates a mindset that one has to have a sculpted body, leading to the use of most steroids by people who aren’t professional athletes.

Chris nicely avoids making this all dry or talking; instead he balances a light, humorous edge with what is rather serious subject matter, reminiscent in tone of past documentaries like SUPER SIZE ME.  The result is an entertaining, informative tale that really inspires thought, and it is worth seeking out.

THE VIDEO

Bigger Stronger Faster is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen, enhanced for 16x9 TVs.  The picture quality is generally good,

THE AUDIO

Bigger Stronger Faster is presented in English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby Digital.  Dialogue, music and sound effects come through clear.  There are Spanish subtitles.

THE EXTRAS

There are 40-minutes of Deleted Scenes, mostly stuff that was just cut for time, though it’s just as good as anything in the movie, and worth checking out.

There is a 3-minute Behind the Scenes segment that is fairly negligible; it’s mostly just footage of the people who worked on the film, with subtitles identifying them.

FINAL THOUGHT

An intriguing look at the steroid controversy that will really have you looking at both sides.