This is a transcription of an interview and footage from the 1977 documentary "Pumping Iron," which showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger's life as a bodybuilder. The footage includes Schwarzenegger discussing his ambitions, relationships, and experiences in the world of bodybuilding. The film's director, George Butler, also shares insights into the making of the documentary and the challenges they faced, including editing over 100 hours of footage and dealing with financial struggles. The transcription also includes outtakes and deleted scenes from the film, featuring Schwarzenegger and other bodybuilders, as well as actor Bud Cort, who was initially involved in the project but ultimately pulled out. The footage provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of bodybuilding in the 1970s and Schwarzenegger's rise to fame.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Arnold Schwarzenegger had been competing in bodybuilding for 10 years.
2. The filmmakers of Pumping Iron shot over 100 hours of footage.
3. The film was initially intended to show a competition between bodybuilders.
4. The filmmakers set up situations to see what would happen and to capture authentic reactions.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger was patterning his career after retired bodybuilding champion Reg Park.
6. Reg Park had gone on to star in Hercules movies in the 1960s.
7. Bud Cort was approached to appear in Pumping Iron and to learn about bodybuilding from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
8. Bud Cort's scenes were eventually cut from the film because they were deemed too distracting.
9. Bud Cort asked the filmmakers to put his salary back into the project to help finish the film.
10. The filmmakers were broke and had maxed out their credit cards, with one of them accumulating a $35,000 bill.
11. In 1976, the filmmakers put on a bodybuilding show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City to attract potential backers.
12. The show was a surprise success, with 5,000 people showing up outside the museum.
13. The cast and crew of Pumping Iron have remained close and friendly over the years.