Rhetorical Techniques In The Film Pumping Iron

Bodybuilding has been around since the late 19th century but became popular in the 60s. The documentary “Pumping Iron” was released in 1977 and was directed by George Butler and Robert Fiore. The documentary was released back when bodybuilding was at its peak in the United States. The film followed the lives of several bodybuilders as they prepared for the Mr. Olympia competition, which is considered to be the biggest and most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world. The film focuses more on Arnold Schwarzenegger, the reigning Mr. Olympia champion at the time. The documentary “Pumping Iron” effectively argues that bodybuilders are more than just fitness enthusiasts using rhetorical strategies. The documentary mainly uses pathos through

Arnold was the biggest star in bodybuilding and was used as an entertainment factor throughout the film. This is true when Arnold says, “I’m coming here to conquer. I’m not coming here to make friends.” This statement creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for the competition, and it captures the audience’s attention. The film also follows Arnold’s life, photo shoots with models show his charming personality and how he is a ladies' man. Another example is Arnold’s confident and arrogant personality, along with his thick Austrian accent makes the phrases he says a lot more entertaining. Even almost 50 years later, people still talk about some of the funny stuff he said, which might be a reason the film is still popular today. The use of Arnold as an entertainment factor appeals to the audience’s emotions, and it is an example of how the documentary uses pathos to make its

The film depicts the bodybuilders as more than just fitness enthusiasts, but as individuals with their own stories and personalities. This humanizes the bodybuilders and makes the audience feel a connection to them. One bodybuilder was Frank Zane, who was portrayed as being more interested in the art and science of bodybuilding than in winning actual competitions. This is evident when he says, “I’m not interested in becoming the biggest bodybuilder in the world. I’m interested in becoming the best.” Another example of this is when Arnold says, “I’ve got to be careful with my words because I’m not just talking to you. I’m talking to myself. I’m talking to my subconscious.” This depicts the intense training and sacrifice that bodybuilders must endure to achieve their goals. The statements highlight the dedication and passion of bodybuilders, and it makes the audience appreciate the sport even more. This further enhances the argument making it more effective with the use of