Professional weightlifter and filmmaker Christopher Bell concludes in his documentary “Bigger, Stronger, Faster*” that winning at all costs is part of being American. At least, that seems to be his explanation for why some athletes and entertainers choose to use anabolic steroids. And at the heart of Bell’s investigation into steroid use is his family. His two brothers, Mike and Mark, have pursued careers – powerlifting and professional wrestling – that almost demand steroid use. Pursue is the operative word here because Mike and Mark have not become successful or famous yet they continue to take steroids and dream about one day….. The saddest part of the movie is listening to Mike, who is in his mid-40s, explain that he was born for greatness and it’s there; he just needs to work a little harder.
Chris talks with many people on both sides of the issue of steroid use. Donald Hooton, who started a foundation to fight steroid abuse after his son committed suicide in 2003; an HIV-positive man who believes that steroids saved his life; athletes Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis; two U.S. Congressmen; various bodybuilders. Without medical data, it’s hard to evaluate some of the comparisons Chris proposes regarding performance-enhancers: Is taking steroids any different from Tiger Woods getting laser surgery on his eyes? A bicycle racer sleeping in a high-altitude chamber to pump his system full of oxygen before a race? Any number of baseball players taking products to give them the advantage? We know that lasik surgery isn’t typically dangerous nor is sleeping in an oxygen changer. But we don’t know enough about steroids because there have been no studies, only circumstantial and anecdotal evidence. Why? Because taking anabolic steroids is illegal.
Everyone agrees that cheating is reprehensible, yet performance enhancing drugs are a part of body building, weight-lifting and professional wrestling. And, according to Chris, they are even more common among ‘gym rats,’ your average men and women who work out regularly. Is this cheating? On the other hand, there are many athletes who resist the urge to artificially enhance their performance. What is it to be American? Is it to win at any cost? Does the end justify the means? If everyone is doing it, does that make it right? “Bigger, Stronger, Faster*” leaves you with more questions than it answers. And maybe that’s a good thing. Note: the asterisk in the title refers to the subtitle, “The Side Effects of Being American.” (6/1/08)
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