Seven-time Mr Olympia, four-time Mr Universe, former Governor of California and much-loved film star- these are just a few highlights of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s glittering and inspirational life to date. His upcoming book aptly named ‘Arnold’, is an updated version of the original collector’s edition released in 2023, which covers all of his monumental achievements and more. Documenting over 70 years of the fitness mogul’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to international fame.
‘Arnold’ ups the ante on the previous edition with more intimate bodybuilding images, photos from the former politician’s personal archive, and behind-the-scenes film stills. Plus, exclusive interviews with important figures who played a significant role in helping him on his way to eventual stardom, including Canadian film director Ivan Reitman and bodybuilding legend Franco Columbu.
The book is wrapped in a luscious turquoise hardcover with the title displayed in a bold and eye-catching metallic gold font, accompanied by a striking pose from the Austrian on the front cover. Photographers’ work featured includes the likes of Annie Leibovitz, Andy Warhol, Francesco Scavullo, Herb Ritts, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Sante D’Orazio.
Throughout the book are a pleasing blend of both colour and black and white images, with the latter being the more impactful and engaging to the eye of the two. This is evident in a superbly taken monochrome shot by talented photographer Max Aguilera-Hellweg of Schwarzenegger showing of his impressive physique in front of a packed crowd at a posing tournament in San Francisco’s California Hall.
Aguilera-Hellweg took this image from a unique perspective by peeking through the stage curtain, this helps add immense scale to the scene with the inclusion of the crowd in the background. While the subject shines brightly, both figuratively and quite literally from the halo lights from above. The composition is bang on the money which further emphasises this mesmeric effect which expertly reveals the enormity and intrigue of the competition.
Schwarzenegger’s clenched right fist, although unintentional from his side is partly blocking a light which looks as if his hand is glowing and possesses otherworldly powers. This seems intentional from the photographer’s part which cleverly portrays the Austrian as a superhero of some kind, especially aesthetically speaking.
Away from the bodybuilding though, the book does show the former Governor of California’s fun and carefree side, which is warming and refreshing to see from such a well-known public figure. No more so than in a light-hearted moment on set of comedy western The Villain which captures the actor playfully holding two pistols either side of his head.
A perfect mix of both personality traits are flawlessly depicted by Peter Grigsby, whose candid shot smartly frames a deep in thought politician sitting down in his Sacramento office during his time as Governor, while a T-800 endoskeleton replica from the Terminator films humorously towers over him on a table behind.
If you’re a fan of the actor, bodybuilder, or Governor version of Schwarzenegger, then his latest book, although on the pricey side, will definitely be a worthwhile investment and a shrewd memento to acquire in the long run.
‘Arnold’ the new edition is published by Taschen and is available to order now. ISBN: 9783836599580
Related reading:
- These amazing celebrity portraits by notorious photographer Duffy should be seen right now
- I’ve photographed celebs and found you don’t have to be extroverted to take amazing portrait photos
- One of the last books that legendary photographer Martin Parr ever worked on – finished just days before his death
Follow AP on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Irys.
