Sylvester Stallone: A Glimpse into the Mind of Hollywood’s Iconic Action Hero
Hollywood’s renowned action star, Sylvester Stallone, delves deep into his inspirations and recounts a lifelong journey in cinema, from being influenced by the 1958 fantasy-adventure film Hercules, to crafting the endearing Rocky Balboa character that echoed his sentiments.
From an Awestruck Boy to Hollywood’s Action Maven
Watching Hercules at the tender age of 12 marked a turning point for Stallone. The film, starring Steve Reeves, resonated with his own desires to embody and champion the spirit of overcoming insurmountable odds. “I was very lucky, in the golden age of films, when dialogue was important. But the dialogue didn’t move me as much as the actual physical embodiment of overcoming odds,” Stallone recollected during a session at the Toronto Film Festival.
But it wasn’t just ancient mythology that captivated young Stallone’s mind. The allure of comic books and the valor of everyday heroes – those who rise to the occasion not with superpowers, but sheer will – left a lasting impression on him. “Coming to the rescue, not so much as a superhero, just as a guy who was forced to,” he mused.
Crafting the Underdog’s Tale
After college, Stallone’s stint as an usher in a cinema house became more than just a job; it was an immersion into the world of filmmaking. Day after day, as films rolled on the silver screen, he learned the nuances and intricacies of movie-making. He chuckled, “Watching those films over and over and over, you get to see the magic. You realize, here comes that scene again. And then I said, I can do better than that. And then I realized I couldn’t.”
However, this immersion became the bedrock for Stallone’s most iconic creation – Rocky Balboa. Drawing from personal experiences, he molded the character. “I just wrote about what I knew. I was writing about this little kind of mentally challenged guy who happened to have a lot of heart,” Stallone illuminated on the origins of Rocky.
Rocky: More Than Just a Film
Rocky, a tale of an underdog boxer from Philadelphia, encapsulated Stallone’s vision. He recalled, “I wanted to write a movie about a guy who says ‘I’m not great at all, never will be. I fight great fighters. But I just want the opportunity to go the distance.’” While the initial response from Hollywood was cold, with no one wanting to produce it, Rocky became Stallone’s pride. “Nobody wanted to make it. It was my best writing too,” he confessed.
A Rollercoaster Ride in Hollywood
As the conversation flowed, Stallone touched upon various aspects of his illustrious career, from his monumental success as Rocky and Rambo, to his directorial pursuits and his ventures on the small screen. He also shared a candid moment about his earlier TV appearances, admitting, “Truly, I have to apologize. My ego was so out of control.”
A highlight of the festival was the world premiere of Sly, a documentary on Stallone’s life, which is set to close the Toronto Film Festival with much fanfare.
The Essence of True Action
Amidst the reminiscences, Stallone imparted some invaluable insights about the essence of true action heroes. “Action heroes should shut their mouth. Action guys who perform heroic deeds don’t talk about it. They just do it. And it’s that simple,” he opined.
Reflecting on the current state of Hollywood, Stallone expressed his affinity for shooting on location. The authenticity, he believes, offers a tangible challenge. He quipped, “I like to be out there where it’s more challenge and more real.”
His journey has now taken a new turn with a resurgence on TV, which includes starring in The Family Stallone, a show which has been renewed for a second season, painting a detailed picture of his home life.
As the Toronto Film Festival approaches its conclusion, Stallone’s candid confessions and reflections serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in Hollywood.
Source: HollywoodReporter
