An Evening With Arnold: a testament to Schwarzenegger's enduring impact on Hollywood

Read Time:3 Minute, 32 Second

In the heart of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, amidst the dazzling lights and star-studded streets, an unforgettable event unfolded: An Evening With Arnold. As an Italian journalist privileged to attend this illustrious occasion, I found myself immersed in an atmosphere charged with excitement and reverence for one of cinema’s most iconic figures.

The event was held on Wednesday, June 28 at 7pm in the David Geffen Theater. Schwarzenegger was in conversation with TASCHEN editor Dian Hanson and provided an inside look into the decade-long collaborative process of making the one-of-a-kind book, with personal stories and anecdotes shared along the way. The conversation was immediately followed by a screening of Terminator 2: Judgement Day in 3D.

Hosted in the iconic Academy Museum, the evening unfolded with all the grandeur befitting its legendary guest of honor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. From his early days as a bodybuilding champion to his meteoric rise as a Hollywood action hero and, later, a revered statesman, Schwarzenegger’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and this event celebrated every aspect of his remarkable career.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the intimate conversation with Schwarzenegger himself, moderated by a seasoned industry insider. As the audience hung on his every word, Schwarzenegger regaled us with captivating anecdotes, profound insights, and humorous anecdotes from his illustrious career. From behind-the-scenes stories of filming blockbuster hits to reflections on his transition into politics, Schwarzenegger’s charisma and wit shone brightly throughout the evening.

But An Evening With Arnold was more than just a trip down memory lane—it was a testament to Schwarzenegger’s enduring impact on pop culture, fitness, and public service. Through film clips, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt tributes, the event underscored Schwarzenegger’s status as a cultural icon whose influence transcends the silver screen.

Beyond the main event, attendees were treated to a showcase of Schwarzenegger’s most iconic films, allowing us to relive timeless classics and discover hidden gems from his extensive filmography. From pulse-pounding action thrillers to heartwarming dramas, each screening served as a reminder of Schwarzenegger’s versatility and enduring appeal as an actor.

As the evening drew to a close, and the applause faded into the night, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for having been part of such a momentous occasion. An Evening With Arnold was not just an event—it was a celebration of a living legend whose impact on cinema and society will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In conclusion, my experience at An Evening With Arnold was nothing short of unforgettable. From the electrifying atmosphere to Schwarzenegger’s charismatic presence, it was a fitting tribute to a cinematic icon whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Hollywood history.

About TASCHEN’s ARNOLD

A decade of collaboration in the making, this two-volume photo tribute covers 75 years of Schwarzenegger, from the future Terminator’s impoverished childhood in Thal, Austria, to his rise as a young athlete, his journey to America to become the most celebrated bodybuilder of all time, to his career as the world’s leading action film star, then into the California governor’s mansion and beyond.

Along the journey, Schwarzenegger became a favorite subject of artists and photographers, including Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts, Francesco Scavullo, and Andy Warhol. The big book includes them all, while the smaller companion volume offers more intimate bodybuilding images, behind-the-scenes film stills, dozens of photos from Arnold’s personal archive, and exclusive interviews with Schwarzenegger and those who know him best, including directors Ivan Reitman and Bob Rafelson, and bodybuilding legends Franco Columbu, Dave Draper, and Frank Zane.

ARNOLD is limited to a total of 1,947 copies, all featuring an aluminum print cover and housed in a slipcase, accompanied by a companion volume, each numbered and signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ‘Art Edition’ (No. 1–100) additionally features a ChromaLuxe print numbered and signed by Annie Leibovitz and a Capitello book stand designed by Studio65 and produced by Gufram. The ‘Capitello Edition’ (No. 101–950) comes with a Capitello book stand designed by Studio65 and produced by Gufram.