Bigger, Faster, Stronger - B+

On DVD (2008). Rated PG-13, 105 minutes. Trailer.

Very little in life is truly black and white. Thankfully, director Chris Bell approaches the topic of anabolic steroids with this perspective in his documentary Bigger, Faster, Stronger. He uses his family as the narrative structure of the film, specifically his older and younger brothers, both of whom have used steroids for years. He tries to examine why they use steroids and whether that is a good thing or a bad thing. Along the way he speaks with athletes (sprinter Ben Johnson, Floyd Landis and sprinter Carl Lewis, among others), doctors, and others about the negative effects of steroids. Click below for more on BFS:

Bell shows great skill as he takes the different sides to task, asking difficult questions in difficult situations. The film doesn't really answer the questions it poses, but I think Bell is saying that steroids shouldn't be illegal. As he presents it in the film, their actual medical danger is minimal compared to most legal drugs and certainly alcohol and cigarettes. He is also saying that we as Americans are essentially demanding it from our athletes (I don't buy this argument). The best scenes of the film are with Floyd Landis (which shows that cheating is relative) and with a grieving father of a kid that committed suicide.

The film plays a little weird because he is having his own family open up and speak frankly abou each other.

Worth your time, especially if you are an athlete.