SLY

This documentary on Sylvester Stallone and his career was made when the cinema icon was in his mid-70s, born 1946. Although only 95 minutes, it offers quite a comprehensive look at Stallone and his life, the various stages of his career.

What makes the difference is that the bulk of the documentary is Sylvester Stallone talking, his confiding in his interview in a variety of locations, where He grew up, studios, in cars… (And it would make an effective audiobook with the words and intonations of the star). There is quite a lot of commentary on many of Stallone’s films and many clips.

The principal commentator on the Stallone family is Sly’s younger brother, Frank. Significant people in his career include Henry Winkler with whom he appeared in The Lords of The Flatbush, his co-star in the Rocky films, Talia Shire, Arnold Schwarzenegger reminiscing about previous rivalry and getting over it. Critic Wesley Morris makes frequent comment. And, there is plenty of exuberant commentary by Quentin Tarantino.

Some commentators have said that there is not enough of Stallone’s private life, his first marriage, his second marriage, his children, and his son’s age who died in his 30s from illness – although, there are some sequences from Rocky V where the actor interact with his son. Stallone’s wife of 25 years plus, Jennifer Flavin, is seen with their children.

Stallone is very frank about his growing up, revisiting the New York locations, the harshness of his upbringing, not being interested in school, the severity of his father, discipline and expectations, the absence of his mother – all supported by commentary from Frank Stallone. There are memories of his auditioning for Death of a Salesman and the agent urging him to a career in theatre.

While Stallone is often considered to be monosyllabic mumble, thinking of his character, Rocky, in fact he is very articulate in commentary, in press conferences, quite a range of vocabulary during this film. Plus the fact that he was a writer. It is great emphasis in the film on his writing, visuals of his written manuscript, crossings out, revisions.

But, as expected, a lot of attention is given to the emergence of rocky, his writing the screenplay, small budget, collaboration with the director, the choosing of the cast, the parallels with his own life, the decision that Rocky should be a boxer, initial indifference cinema patrons reactions, but the surprise of audible cheers during the initial release in New York. A claim, Oscars.

Attention is given to the immediate aftermath, Stallone’s attempt to be serious in F.I.S.T., directing Paradise Alley, the attention given to the sequels and some critical expectations, the very personal nature of Rocky V. While some attention is given to the sixth film, Rocky Balboa, almost 20 years later, there is no inclusion of the Creed franchise.

Which leads, of course, to Rambo, the effect of the Rambo films in the 1980s (which is where Schwarzenegger’s commentary comes in about his action films of the 80s), the personal investment Stallone made, and his dispute with the filmmakers, his philosophy of cinema that audiences don’t want unhappy ending is – and his final statement that he believes in a cinema of hope.

There are the various ups and downs of the 90s, his attempted comedy, not particularly successful, his continued career and the launching of The Expendables.

The audience feels that it gets to know Stallone quite well during the 95 minutes, his talking to his audience, confiding in them, being very Frank, ups and downs. Whatever the future as he nears 80, he has had a career for half a century.

Reviewed by Fr. Peter Malone, MSC

More info on SLY (Film)

US, 2023, 95 minutes, Colour.
Sylvester Stallone, Frank Stallone, Quentin Tarantino, Henry Winkler, John Herzfeld, Talia Shire, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Morris.
Directed by Thom Zimny