"Arnold", the Netflix series with Arnold Schwarzenegger that retraces his incredible career

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been very active lately on Netflix. After Fubaran action-comedy series in which he plays a CIA agent, he takes center stage in a 3-part documentary. The documentary retraces the incredible life of the man who was, in turn, a champion of bodybuildingsuccessful actor and governor of California. An inspiring career for a man who knew how to face setbacks to build his success.

The 3 lives of the Austrian oak

Released on June 7, 2023 on the popular Netflix platform, this documentary series is soberly entitled Arnold.

Led by American director Lesley Chilcott, the mini-series offers an inspiring and intimate format. It is based on a extensive interview in which Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about the different phases of his life from his sublime estate in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Now 76, Schwarzenegger talks about his successes as well as his difficult times. He broaches no subject, from his father's childhood abuse to the birth of a child from an extramarital affair, not to mention his inappropriate behavior towards several women.

The documentary focuses on 3 episodes of about an hour, each one retracing a part of Arnold's life:

• Episode 1: The athlete
• Episode 2: The actor
• Episode 3: The American

Episode 1: The athlete

If you're interested in the world of bodybuildingYou're probably already familiar with the broad outlines of Arnold's career. But this Netflix documentary takes it a step further and gives you a better understanding of his rise.

Born in Austria in 1947, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a difficult childhood. The son of a cleaning lady and a policeman, a former serviceman who fought in the Second World War, young Arnold grew up in a violent environment.

His father Gustav, a depressive and alcoholic, raised him the hard way.

Arnold, for his part, already has his sights set on the United States. Discovering the bodybuilder Reg Park in a magazine that he began to develop a passion for bodybuilding.

His military discipline and unfailing motivation enable him to make rapid progress. I have dedicated a complete article on the training routine that took him to the top.

It is then identified by Joe Weiderwho convinced him to move to Uncle Sam's country.

It was the start of an extraordinary bodybuilding career, marked by countless successes. Winner of 7 Mr. OlympiaToday, he is one of the sport's greatest legends.

Episode 2: The actor

Alongside his sporting career, his extraordinary physics also quickly opened the doors to Hollywood.

But Schwarzenegger is far from being just a pile of muscles. This episode gives us a better understanding of how he's different from the others.

Far from being content with his sporting income, the "Austrian Oak" soon began investing in real estate. A wise choice which enabled him to become millionairewhen he wasn't even 30 and his film career hadn't yet taken off.

Armed with this capital, Arnold has the right to select his film projects with care, without having to chase fees.

This second episode looks back at his film careerfrom his debut in Hercules (1970) to the consecration of Terminator (1984).

An episode also marked by the testimonies of many celebrities such as James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny DeVito and others. Sylvester Stallonehis eternal rival as the most bankable actor of the 1980s.

Episode 3: The American

The latest episode in this Netflix series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is just as exciting as the first two.

As ambitious as ever, Arnold set himself the goal of becoming Governor of CaliforniaHis only political achievements to date have been to support the candidacies of George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton.

But while he's in the media spotlight, his private life is falling apart.

At the time, he was married to Maria Shriver, a journalist, and had 4 children. All seemed well until the day the press revealed the existence of a hidden illegitimate son, Joseph, the result of an extramarital affair with a domestic worker by the name of Mildred Baena.

It's a part of his life that he discusses frankly in the documentary. He also talks about the accusations of sexual harassment against him.

Finally, Schwarzenegger will follow up with two mandates consecutive terms as Governor of California, from 2003 to 2011, describing himself as a man of service to the people.

What can we learn from this Netflix series about Arnold Schwarzenegger?

What else can we learn from this documentary on Arnold's life?

Firstly, it has to be said that a large part of his success is the result of his determination. If he doesn't claim to be a self-made manHe has always surrounded himself with the right people to achieve his goals.

"When you have a clear vision of things, you have absolute conviction that you can do it."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

On the other hand, despite his countless successes in everything he's done, Schwarzenegger has also had his share of setbacks. chess which he does not deny.

"People will remember my successes, but also my failures."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

And this is perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects.

Whether in bodybuilding, cinema or politics, Arnold Schwarzenegger has never been afraid to fail. For one simple reason: everyone fails at some point! Because failure is really just another step on the road to triumph.