His approach takes a look at what steroids do, who has used them, the reasons for using them, and the hazy world of "facts" surrounding their use and the side effects. What bothers me most about the film is that when the end rolls around, it still feels like Bell is still searching; he has not yet taken a firm stance as to where he stands. He seems to be straddling the line after proving, more or less, that steroids are not nearly as bad as they are said to be, while also pointing out the underlying "win at all costs" mentality.

Perhaps I was wanting too much. Perhaps I am being a little too critical. Sometimes, when I see a documentary, I want the filmmaker to either take no sides and provide compelling arguments for both sides, or take a specific stance and stick to it. In the case of Bigger, Stronger, Faster* there is no specific stance, although an easy argument could be made that it is pro-steroids. Another possibility is that I did not want to accept is that this is a pro-steroids film. Going in, I automatically assumed it would be anti-steroids, but I guess that plays into the demonization that the drugs have suffered over the years.

Bottom line. This is definitely a good film. There are some great interviews and it does not play along with the media's anti-steroid bias as it explores the issue of their use, as well as the underlying "win at all costs" mentality. This is a movie worth spending time with, regardless of which side of the issue you are on.

Recommended.