Strongman

Strongman is an absorbing and heartfelt 2009 documentary that delves into the life and struggles of Stanley "Stanless Steel" Pleskun, a man who claims to be the strongest in the world but struggles to transform his unique abilities into a rewarding profession. Directed and produced by Zachary Levy, the film takes a thoughtful, compassionate and often amusing look at Stanley's life, while also examining broader themes of strength, self-concept, success and the very nature of the American dream.

Directed over a period of nine years (from 1999 to 2008), Strongman documents Pleskun's life in a personal, intimate way. Stanley isn't your typical strongman; he doesn't lift weights, instead, he bends pennies, lifts trucks with his bare hands, and hammers nails with his bare fists. His feats of strength aren't just impressive; they're practically superhuman. Yet despite Pleskun's physical prowess, Stanley is an everyman, grappling with everyday matters like work, love, and self-esteem.

Depicted as a blue-collar worker from South Brunswick, New Jersey, Pleskun attempts to break through from performing at small local events and birthday parties to a larger audience – from national television shows to global venues. But as the documentary shows, even for the strongest man in the world, some barriers aren't that easy to break.

An underlining theme of the movie is Stanley's relationship with his long-time girlfriend, Barbara. Their relationship serves as the emotional backbone of the film—an exploration of love’s resilience, complexity, and the strains that come with Stanley's pursuit of his lifelong dream. It’s a touchingly real portrayal of a relationship burdened by unfulfilled dreams, financial struggles, and everyday challenges.

Strongman also delves into the relationship between Stanley and his family, particularly his brothers and his mother. These interactions expose the emotional struggles within Stanley’s life - the tension between his aspiration of achieving fame and his responsibility and love for his family.

Despite the besetting struggles, Stanley is shown to be a humble and likable man driven by a will of iron and immense determination. His strength is portrayed not just in physical terms but in mental and emotional terms as well - aspects depicted impressively as Stanley remains undeterred in his quest for recognition and grapples with the fear of being deemed as a failure. All throughout, Strongman contemplates what it truly means to succeed in life and judiciously avoids passing judgment - leaving viewers to consider their perception of success.

Director Zachary Levy's chronicling of Stanley's life extends beyond the feats of strength, lending the documentary an intimacy that's both remarkable and poignant. The film takes viewers into the heart of Stanley’s world, allowing them to feel his triumphs and frustrations. It is an honest and unvarnished look at an extraordinary man living an otherwise ordinary life. The film's grainy, handheld cinematography only adds to its authentic and gritty feel, pushing viewers to face the unfiltered realities of an individual in pursuit of his dreams.

Strongman is raw and poignant in its approach, showcasing Pleskun's life with honesty and respect, while also taking time to explore the nature of strength in all its varied forms. Beyond the physical feats and struggles for recognition, what truly ties the entire movie together is its profoundly humane approach. It’s a story of an individual who is strong, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well - wrestling with everyday struggles and fighting his battles every day.

In summary, Strongman is about more than a man bending metal. It's an affecting portrait of a person striving for recognition and a better life using the only means at his disposal – his unbelievable strength. It's about the strength we find within us to face life's challenges, the strength we need to persevere, and the strength it takes to go against the tide in pursuit of our dreams. It’s a captivating, compassionate, multi-dimensional representation of a man who, despite his superhuman strength, is just as human as the rest of us.