In today’s post-truth world, where facts are often distorted or ignored, documentaries have traditionally been seen as a reliable source of truth. Most viewers settle down to watch documentaries with the assumption that they will be presented with some version of the truth. However, recent documentaries have challenged this notion and have taken different approaches to the concept of “truth.”
One such documentary is “Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators,” a five-part series directed by Tony Vainuku and Jared Hess, now available on Netflix. This documentary takes a different approach to the concept of truth, offering a superficially fun chronicle of the popular 90s show “American Gladiators.” While it may not adhere strictly to the traditional idea of truth, “Muscles & Mayhem” aims to entertain and provide a dose of nostalgia for fans of the show.
The series begins with a nostalgic introduction by Dan “Nitro” Clark, one of the former gladiators, who takes viewers back to the 90s era when “American Gladiators” was at the height of its popularity. However, the documentary immediately challenges the notion of truth by providing conflicting information and obliterating all context. It becomes clear that “Muscles & Mayhem” is more interested in celebrating the fun and sizzle of the show rather than delving into the truth behind it.
In contrast, the ESPN documentary, “The American Gladiators Documentary,” takes a more narratively adventurous approach, often sacrificing the fun and excitement that fans of the show may expect. This documentary is more focused on the quest for truth, even if it leads the audience far from the expected path. While it may be more artistically ambitious, it may not satisfy those looking for a dishy dose of nostalgia.
Related Post
“Musc les & Mayhem” puts the spotlight on the gladiators themselves, featuring interviews with fan-favorite gladiators such as Nitro, Tower, and Laser. The series includes in-depth discussions about the show’s production, including the challenges they faced during filming and the evolution of the show’s concept. It also addresses controversial topics such as the use of steroids among the gladiators, offering a mixture of glibly excited stories, evasive answers, and disingenuous statements from the executives involved.
The documentary also dedicates an entire episode to the show’s national tour after its third season, where the gladiators share stories of the drug use and hooking up that took place on the bus. While the episode may lack detailed remembrances, it captures the outrageousness and excitement of that time. The gladiators, who have spent decades on the self-promotion and nostalgia circuit, seem to be comfortable reliving their glory days without questioning the decisions and actions that took place during that time.
One criticism of the documentary is the lack of follow-up questions and the failure to challenge certain individuals on serious issues. The documentary touches on topics such as the exploitation of underpaid gladiators by corporate entities and the rampant drug use, but fails to delve deeper or connect the dots. This lack of inquiry is particularly noticeable when executives are interviewed, and their involvement in these issues is seemingly overlooked.
While the ESPN documentary uncovered the darker side of the show, including drug addiction and deaths, “Muscles & Mayhem” takes a cheerier approach, focusing more on fan nostalgia and celebrating the gladiators as larger-than-life heroes. This approach may appeal to fans who seek a positive, feel-good experience rather than an in-depth exploration of the show’s truths and controversies.
The documentary’s general creative process is also worth noting, as it gives little credit to key figures involved in the show’s creation. While co-creator Johnny Ferraro appears only in archival footage and is mostly mocked, credited co-creator Dann Carr is not even mentioned. The documentary instead credits executive producer Eytan Keller and director Bob Levy, portraying them as the driving forces behind the show’s success. However, the truth likely lies somewhere in between these portrayals.
In conclusion, “Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators” offers a nostalgic and entertaining look back at the popular 90s show. While it may not adhere strictly to the traditional concept of truth, it appeals to fans seeking a dose of nostalgia and fun. The documentary may not provide a comprehensive exploration of the show’s truths and controversies, but it offers a unique perspective on the gladiators’ experiences and the cultural impact of “American Gladiators.”
