The new Netflix documentary “Arnold” chronicles the multiple careers of Arnold Schwarzenegger. From his beginnings as a bodybuilder, to becoming the biggest box office draw, to being the only person to become governor of California through a recall election.

Schwarzenegger has accomplished a lot in his life but not without controversies and issues. The new documentary showcases all sides of the former governor in a three-part series.

Lesley Chilcott, the director of “Arnold,” joined “Inside the Issues” host Alex Cohen to talk about the new documentary and the central figure.

Chilcott credits Schwarzenegger’s strong mindset as the reason he was able to succeed in three very different careers.

“Bodybuilding is obviously a competition, I didn’t really know that Arnold looked at acting as a potential competition, and then he certainly looked at running for governor and being governor as a competition,” Chilcott said.

The documentary dives deep into Schwarzenegger’s political career and his run for governor, including the buildup to when he announced his run for governor on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and the hesitation his then-wife Maria Shriver had with him running.

“It’s my understanding that she grew up in a political and I think she thought by marrying Arnold Schwarzenegger, she was taking this big leap in an entirely different direction,” Chilcott said. “So to end up back in the family business, so to speak, was a real surprise for her.” 

The documentary also explored Schwarzenegger and Shriver’s public divorce. When starting on this documentary, Chilcott said she needed Schwarzenegger to promise he would be open to talking about any subject.

“I think for a really long time he’s been known for his successes, but for some great personal failures,” Chilcott said. 

Just before Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California, an LA Times story came out with multiple accusations by women of sexual harassment and unwanted grouping. 

“What was important to me was that he address it in the film and that he fully address it,” Chilcott said.

Chilcott also explored Schwarzenegger’s political legacy. As a Republican governor, Schwarzenegger signed the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which established goals to greatly lower the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by the next two decades.

“That has had a ripple effect all the way up until now, whether it’s the solar roof initiative or all sorts of other things,” Chilcott said.

She added even today the former bodybuilder turned actor turned governor is still very active running his own institution focused on public policy while also writing a self-help book, and developing an app.

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