Stay Hungry

Stay Hungry is a 1976 movie directed by Bob Rafelson and starred Jeff Bridges, Sally Field, and Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major film role. The movie, set in Birmingham, Alabama, tells the story of a young man named Craig Blake who inherits a family fortune after his parents die in a car accident. However, he feels aimless and unfulfilled with his life of wealth, and he begins to question his existence.

Craig decides that he wants to buy a rundown gym and turn it into a lucrative business. However, he quickly realizes that the gym he purchased is more than just a business opportunity. It's a way of life for the people who work and train there. The gym is owned by Joe Santo, a former bodybuilder who trains a group of bodybuilders in hopes of one of them winning Mr. Universe, a bodybuilding competition.

Craig finds himself drawn into this world of bodybuilding and the community that comes along with it. He befriends one of the bodybuilders, Mary Tate Farnsworth, played by Sally Field, who is also an aspiring artist. As their friendship deepens, Craig begins to question his relationship with his wealthy girlfriend, played by Joanna Cassidy.

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Joe Santo's top bodybuilder and Craig's main competition for winning Mr. Universe. Schwarzenegger's character, who is also named Arnold, is an over-the-top, charismatic bodybuilder who steals every scene he's in. His performance in Stay Hungry is largely credited for launching his acting career.

Stay Hungry is a character-driven movie that explores themes of self-discovery, purpose, and community. Craig's journey is one of discovering and embracing a new way of life that is vastly different from his life of privilege. He learns valuable lessons about hard work, determination, and the importance of finding one's passion. Sally Field's character, Mary Tate Farnsworth, is a representation of the artist who sees beauty in every form, even in the heavily muscular physique of bodybuilders.

Bob Rafelson's directing and cinematography captures the grittiness of the gym and the picturesque beauty of Birmingham, Alabama. The bodybuilding scenes are particularly impressive, showcasing the dedication and hard work required to build such exceptional physiques.

Stay Hungry is a unique film that explores unconventional themes through rich characters and performances. It's a classic underdog story with heart, humor, and some surprisingly poignant moments. It may not have been a commercial success when it was released, but it has since garnered a cult following and has been recognized as a classic film of the 1970s.