Bat Shit Movie Reviews

In the grand theater of human existence, “Generation Iron” unfolds as a riveting cinematic-reality journey, shedding light on the intriguing yet often obscured dimensions of the bodybuilding and fitness industry. This documentary series inadvertently acts as both a mirror and a magnifying glass, forcing us to confront existential crises that lurk beneath the surface while providing moments of dark humor that make it a compelling watch.

Hyper-Competitiveness: A Relentless Pursuit

“Generation Iron” brilliantly captures the hyper-competitiveness that defines the world of bodybuilding, drawing parallels to the existential struggle for meaning and purpose. This obsession with physical perfection is akin to chasing one’s own shadow, an endless cycle that prompts us to ponder the futility of relentless striving. As Arnold Schwarzenegger aptly puts it, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Albert Camus once observed, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart.” This sentiment reverberates throughout the docuseries, where bodybuilders embark on a relentless quest, paradoxically finding meaning in the very struggle that seems never-ending. It’s a darkly humorous commentary on the human condition, where the pursuit often surpasses the goal itself.

Unfiltered Gaze into the Abyss: A Carnival of Contradictions

“Generation Iron” offers an unfiltered view of the dark carnival of steroid and performance-enhancing substance use within the bodybuilding community. This existential dilemma mirrors the human tendency to seek shortcuts in the face of insurmountable challenges, and the docuseries doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of the situation.

Albert Camus, in his exploration of the absurd, noted, “Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is.” This sentiment resonates as we watch bodybuilders concoct elixirs in their quest for a kind of physical immortality. The docuseries humorously underscores the human belief in transcending limitations, even if it means taking peculiar shortcuts, reminiscent of Lord Byron’s famous line, “Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.”

Glamorization of Extreme Dieting: A Culinary Tragedy

In the portrayal of extreme dieting, “Generation Iron” paints a culinary tragedy where salads take center stage, and donuts play the role of the villain. The characters count calories like they’re decoding ancient hieroglyphics, all while guzzling water like it’s the secret elixir of life.

The existential humor here lies in the characters’ inability to savor life’s simple pleasures, like enjoying a delicious meal. It’s as if they’ve taken “eat to live” to an extreme, sacrificing the joys of life at the altar of aesthetics. Their absurd dietary choices turn eating into a tragicomic opera, where the tragedy is their inability to embrace life’s culinary delights.

A Darkly Entertaining Reflection

“Generation Iron” is a thought-provoking journey into the existential dilemmas lurking within the fitness industry, sprinkled with moments of dark humor that keep you engaged. It’s like looking into a funhouse mirror that distorts reality while reflecting its absurdities.

This documentary series inadvertently forces us to confront profound existential questions while making us chuckle at the quirkiness of human pursuits. And if it gets folks to lift up a few more heaps of weights or gnaw on some leafy greens, then so be it.

The Generation Iron Docuseries has earned itself a hearty and full 4.5 out of 5 shits on the BatShit Scale.