Rocky Dir. John G. Avildsen
Feat. Sylvester Stallone (Rocky), Burgess Meredith (Micky), Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), Talia shire (Adrian), and Burt Young (Paulie)
MGM, 1976
Rocky is truly a coming of age tale that sets the criteria for what is considered a classic in every sense of the word, it's long but doesn't overstay its welcome; it's relatable (even if you aren't a lower class Italian-American); it has undeniable substance; it has the cameraplay that is essential in any revered piece of cinematography; it has a recognizable musical score, and most importantly it has what I would call unprecedented replay value [nice turn of phrase]. I personally have watched it what is now five times and I must say, it hasn't yet begun to depreciate. I believe the reason for this is because the concept of the film is something that never loses it's worthーthe American Dream. The logic is fairly simple, you create a film with a priceless topic and you get a priceless film. This must be something that both filmmakers Avildsen and Stallone understood well as they brought their minds together to create a script and scenery that coincides perfectly with the concept of the film. I don't say this too often, but I believe that Rocky is a rare five out of five star action film that is yet to be duplicated.
The film begins inside a church of all places, where we actually see Christ looking over Rocky as he fights a battle, both metaphorically and literally [Yass!]. This is some of the clever mise en scène of Avildsen I spoke of earlier. After Rocky gathers his meager compensation of forty bucks (or $176 in today's money) he is out on the streets where his metaphorical battle continues. We hardly hear Rocky talk until he is back at his apartment engaging in conversation with his animals, implying he has a poor mental state. This aspect of Rocky is beautifully captured by Stallone as Rocky lacks any intelligent lines in the film as well as Stallone's performance in various scenes that seem too genuine to have been scripted [Go Henry!]. We later meet Rocky's love interest, Adrian (Talia Shire - real life sister of director Francis Ford Coppola). This makes his character that much more relatable to viewers who have had that "special someone" in their lives that never seemed to reciprocate their energy. Besides the aspect of unrequited love [finger snaps], there is more to relate to as the film progresses.
Rocky would later become an underdog when challenged by Apollo Creed. As If having the odds stacked against him in life wasn't enough, the odds are now against him in the ring. As rocky prepares to fight this provides us with one of the most epic training montages in film history. As he climbs the steps of independence hall we witness an iconic and relatable moment, the ascension of an underdog. The cameraplay that made this scene possible also marks a pivotal moment in film history.When the fight finally happens it takes place on a star spangled banner, which is symbolic of many things. As it relates to the American dream this is Rocky's dream come true. Rocky would go on to lose the fight but I think he already succeeded at receiving the American dream. The American dream is simply one of participation, it isn't a game, thus there are no winners or losers. With this logic in mind, I think Rocky "won" the moment Apollo challenge him, he earned a chance to prove himself which is all the American dream is.
Now, clearly I am very passionate about this film. I really feel as though it is a gem in the filmography of Stallone and everyone involved in it, but nothing is made for everyone. If you aren't into older, grainy films I wouldn't recommend Rocky. If you aren't into action films that play with multiple other genres then I certainly wouldn't suggest it, but if you're like me and enjoy the mere aesthetic of a classic film then I'd say Rocky is a must see.
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