Schwarzenegger charms in Netflix’s engaging three-part documentary
ARNOLD 4/5 stars
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life story is one fit for a Hollywood epic. From his humble beginnings in rural Austria, he set his sights on the United States, where he clawed his way to the top of three totally unconnected arenas: first as a bodybuilder, then as a film star and finally as a politician.
In a series of interviews for this three-part documentary from Waiting for Superman’s Lesley Chilcott, the 75-year-old discusses every facet of his life.
While there are not many new revelations for fans of this 188cm embodiment of the American dream, Schwarzenegger’s story, propelled by his drive, charisma and candour, makes Arnold enthralling viewing.
Most people will be aware of the broad strokes of his career. He first achieved international recognition as Mr Universe, winning 13 world bodybuilding championships before moving into acting.
After a bumpy start, because of his thick, unshakeable accent and huge physique, he became one of the biggest action stars of the 1980s, and by the early ’90s was the most successful star on the planet thanks to hits like Twins, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and True Lies.
After undergoing life-saving heart surgery in 1997, he was forced to step away from acting.
True to form, Schwarzenegger quickly bounced back, shifting gears once more to US politics.
Without any prior experience, he was elected governor of
California in 2003 where, over two terms, he secured the passage of significant education, transport and environmental legislation that transformed the state.
Each episode – titled “Athlete”, “Actor” and “American” respectively – focuses on one of these different iterations.
It would appear no topic was off-limits during these interviews. Schwarzenegger addresses claims of sexual harassment that surfaced when he was campaigning for governor, and the revelation that he sired an illegitimate son in secret with his housekeeper.
He is quick to admit to these faults, displaying remorse while vowing to learn from his mistakes.
No doubt his answers have been carefully prepared during production, but they nevertheless play into the same singular narrative that has propelled him to such extraordinary heights – that nothing is out of reach.
“Be useful” was seemingly the only advice passed down by his father, a World War II veteran who fought for the Nazis and returned a broken man, prone to violent drunken outbursts.
On more than one occasion Schwarzenegger claims his mind works differently to those of most people, and that his hunger to succeed and prove his naysayers wrong is what saw him turn his attention to bodybuilding and on to America and the world stage.
There is no denying Arnold is an idealising biography. The ageing Schwarzenegger, sitting in his hot tub, sucking on a cigar is still the same poser and performer who stripped down to a Speedo, smeared himself in baby oil and flexed before fawning crowds.
He remains as gregarious and active as ever, and the show makes it difficult for us not to fall for his charms. Regardless of his personal failings, Schwarzenegger is an immigrant who came to America and transformed it, excelling at every industry he engaged with.
This is the version of him the documentary wants us to remember, an individual who may be only human but remains a truly remarkable specimen.
James Marsh
Arnold will start streaming on Netflix tomorrow