On the field and during practice, athletes of all sorts are always willing to push themselves to the maximum and achieve greatness. From speed skaters to MMA fighters and from boxers to powerlifters, these men and women are continuously breaking through seemingly unbreakable barriers, making us question how a human body can perform such incredible feats. However, sometimes these people are willing to take a risky extra step just to reach Olympian perfection. Nevertheless, we still have to consider when too much is enough. When does an athlete push so much that they are putting their health and happiness on the line? According to the film Bigger, Stronger, Faster*, that step is frighteningly easy to cross, and more people leap over that threshold than you might think. Let’s take a closer look at how this critically praised film teaches excellent lessons about performance-enhancing drugs in the athletic industry.
Best in the Business
Interestingly, the title of the film draws on two separate ideas, unified in one creative message. Overall, the film’s name is derived from the Olympic motto (“Faster, Higher, Stronger”) and the theme of WWE’s WrestleMania (“Bigger, Batter, Better”). However, the writers took a more creative approach by alluding to the tagline of The Six Million Dollar Man (“Better, Stronger, Faster”). So, in an ironic twist, the film not only touches on the problems of anabolic steroids but also the incessant desire for money and power in the industry. So where does the asterisk (*) symbol come in? According to the film, when athletes are implicated for PED-use, an asterisk symbol is placed next to their names.
Directed and co-written by Christopher Bell, Bigger, Stronger, Faster* relates the steroid use of the director and his two brothers, Smelly and Mad Dog, who always idolized symbols of pro-athleticism, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Hulk Hogan. Throughout the film, Bell examines how America is driven by a “win at all costs” subculture and uses his brothers’ excessive steroid-use as an example of how determination can go too far.
Rough Waters Ahead
What makes Bigger, Stronger, Fast* a landmark drug education film is the fact that it is completely grounded in realism. Besides professional athletes, the movie also features the testimonies of medical professionals, members of fitness centers, and even U.S. Congressmen. Likewise, this film also takes a risky and effective move by examining the greedy, unpredictable nature of American culture and shows us how far people will push their minds (and bodies) to achieve success.
Always remember that mind-altering drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
