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... f the American Dream" (Hoberman 24). Arnold Schwarzenegger came to The United States with only a gym bag, and single-handedly worked his way to fame and fortune. Arnold is a perfect example of the American Dream realized.
Perhaps his struggle is the reason that Schwarzenegger appeals to the world. The symbolic representation of the American Dream is a powerful force. " Time " s Richard Corliss called him 'the most potent symbol of worldwide dominance of the US entertainment industry'" (Hoberman 24). People see Schwarzenegger as an American Icon because he achieved the American Dream, thus making him an American in both body and spirit. "Arnold has achieved what many fantasize but few often realize-the riches of the American dream" (Flynn 10). Only by paying the price in the gym and studying hard at schools such as UCLA and the University of Wisconsin, did he rise above the many obstacles in his path. "By embracing the traditional values of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability-the very cornerstones that America was built upon-Arnold has achieved a much deserved place in our popular culture" (Flynn 16). Interestingly, Schwarzenegger claims that he feels that he is a born American.
He says he "felt deep down inside of me that I was an American" (Shaw 142). Other countries look at America and see Schwarzenegger as the embodiment of the United States, making Schwarzenegger an internationally-appealing star. "He [Schwarzenegger] is the most bankable star in the US, Germany, and Japan" (Hoberman 22). Additionally, Schwarzenegger's films appeal over international waters because of their violent content. "he has become such a huge box-office star abroad primarily because action is understandable everywhere Everyone gets Arnold. If he hits somebody, they fall down. If he shoots them, they die" (Shaw 149).
Even young children are familiar with Schwarzenegger's films, despite the usual 'R' ratings that are associated with his movies. While filming Kindergarten Cop, Schwarzenegger thought that the children would generally be ignorant of his status, but they proved otherwise. "I was in a state of shock. Ivan would ask the kids, 'Does anyone know who this is?' And they would all go, 'Yeah! Predator!
Terminator! Twins! He's Danny DeVito's twin brother! What happened to your twin brother?' " (Flynn 176). Again, Schwarzenegger's appeal oversteps boundaries such as Schwarzenegger is portrayed in several different manners during his career, he is shown as a freakish, dumb, muscle-head, a macho gun-wielding hero, a relentless killing machine, a good-hearted, nave Samaritan, and so on. As a bodybuilder, many people did not take Schwarzenegger seriously. "many Hollywood producers had dismissed him as a muscle-bound freak" (Flynn 22).
George Butler, the maker of Pumping Iron, recalled that Schwarzenegger was often the subject of ridicule due to his unusual body composition. "It was particularly hard for Arnold because he was treated as a complete freak had a physique that people were repulsed by I was sitting opposite him at a restaurant, I could see people at the tables behind laughing at him. Of course he noticed it, but he was never impolite" (Flynn 34). Probably most recognized as a heroic figure, Schwarzenegger is the physical manifestation of the modern-day Hercules. " Schwarzenegger has come to represent the image of a hero for the eighties and nineties" (Flynn 13). However, the most important portrayal of Schwarzenegger is his comedic personality. This portrayal is what sets him apart from other action stars (Stallone, Van Damme, Segal, etc. ). "Even in his most brutal action films, it's his sense of humor that distinguishes him from Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris and other denizens of the death and destruction genre" (Shaw 146). The huge success of the comedy vehicles Twins, and Kindergarten Cop showed the world that Arnold was not a one- dimensional killer, but a misunderstood brute with a heart.
In other words, they showed that he had a healthy sense of humor. The two comedies expanded his audience to include young children, and the family in general. Today, Schwarzenegger acknowledges that he has two particular audiences, the action-hungry audience, and the family audience. In turn, he now rotates his film schedule by alternating action films with lighter comedies The many representations that are a part of Schwarzenegger an integral part of the reason why he is so extremely popular among the masses. To the common layman, he is the Hollywood movie star, an object of entertainment. To bodybuilders around the world, Schwarzenegger represents the ultimate bodybuilding ideal, a man who has conquered bodybuilding with an incredible physique and has advanced to other more prestigious areas.
To a lesser degree, fitness enthusiasts see him as an figurehead, leading them to the promised land of washboard abs and firm buttocks. In 1990, Schwarzenegger was named Chairman of the President's Council On Physical Fitness and Sports (Stoddard 43). Strategically, this is a masterful move on Schwarzenegger's part in regards to increasing his appeal among the people. Physical fitness and sports are universal concepts that everyone can identify with and almost no one can oppose. Choosing such a non- controversial concept and associating his name with it is guarantees an increase in popularity. In terms of politics, Schwarzenegger is a unique individual, having ties to both the Republicans and Democrats.
A staunch supporter of the Republican party and its causes, yet pledging loyalty to the Democrats via his relationship with his wife, Maria Shriver of the infamous Kennedy Clan. In addition, Republicans look to Schwarzenegger as a potential political candidate for office. "During 1988 Schwarzenegger was nicknamed, 'Conan the Republican " Both the New York Daily News and the Chicago Sun-Times have run articles suggesting that Arnold's destiny lies in politics, possibly as governor of California" (Flynn 25). Schwarzenegger is also actively involved in real estate development. The most notable of his investments lies in the Planet Hollywood franchise which he co-owns with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.
The franchise is world-wide, with locations in Paris, France and Tokyo, Japan, ensuring that Schwarzenegger's fans around the world will not be left out. Arnold Schwarzenegger is recognized universally because he is an Icon that appeals to everyone through the various aspects of his personality and image. The proof of his appeal lies in the impressive numbers that follow his name. "Since the 1980 s, his films have grossed more than $ 1. 5 billion world wide" (Shaw 149). Schwarzenegger has successfully conquered Hollywood and, in a sense, the world. The vast majority of the consumers do not seem to mind his faults any longer. " most ticket buyers have simply accepted the worldwide stardom of Arnold Schwarzenegger as such an inevitable part of our popular culture" (Flynn 10). Americans have accepted him into their culture as one of their own.
Each viewer may see Schwarzenegger a different way, as a different representation, but they all see him as a star. In the end, the name Bebbington, Jim. "Getting Classic With Arnold, " The Saturday Evening Post, Flynn, John L. The Films Of Arnold Schwarzenegger. New York: Carol Goldstein, Patrick. "The Arnold Era, " Los Angeles Times, 6 / 16 (1996) 9 - 20. Hoberman, J. "Nietzsche's Boy, " Sight & Sound, 8 (1991), 22 - 25. McGough, Peter. "Conversation With An Icon, " Flex, 11 (1995) 135 - 140, 186 - Schwarzenegger, Arnold.
Encyclopedia Of Modern Bodybuilding. New York: Shaw, David. "The World According To Arnold, " Cigar Aficionado, 6 (1996) Bibliography: Stoddard, Maynard Good, and Cory Servers, M. D. "Marketing Fitness With The President And Arnold Schwarzenegger, " The Saturday Evening Post, 7 / 8 (1990) 43 - 49, 108, 110.
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Research essay sample on Saturday Evening Post Sense Of Humor
