Sylvester Stallone's iconic presence is often attributed to his physique, but Thom Zimny's "Sly" sheds light on the power of Stallone's voice. Intriguingly, it's a tale of two voices. One, a distinctive New York baritone, shaped by a birth accident affecting his face, and the other, emerging from the scripts he passionately writes or improvises. Despite just one notable nomination for Best Original Screenplay for "Rocky," it's undeniable: when Stallone contributes, the project inevitably gets his signature touch.
Stallone's words, whether in the shoes of down-to-earth characters like Rocky Balboa and Freddy Heflin in "Copland" or larger-than-life roles like John Rambo, always resonate with authenticity. The familiarity of his style ensures that works either are tailored for him or are adjusted to fit his persona. After an impressive span featuring the "Rocky" and "Rambo" series, Stallone constantly evolved, dipping into comedy and romance, showcasing his versatility.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a formidable rival, expresses admiration in "Sly" for Stallone's knack of staying a notch ahead. He lauds Stallone's capability to seamlessly juggle multiple roles, from acting and writing to directing and producing.
Zimny, primarily recognized for his collaboration with Bruce Springsteen, casts Stallone as the quintessential working-class hero. The documentary digs deep into Stallone's challenging upbringing in New York's Hell's Kitchen, positioning him against Hollywood's privileged class. A significant subplot involves Stallone's tumultuous relationship with his father, Francesco "Frankie" Stallone, Jr. Both Stallone and his younger brother, Frank, open up about their father's consistent harshness, which seemingly stemmed from envy of his sons' achievements.
Stallone's bond with his father had its moments, like learning polo together post the family split. Yet, the film touches upon the emotional strain caused by the family separation, especially between the Stallone brothers, making it a poignant narrative thread.
While "Sly" prominently features Stallone's candid retelling, it somewhat misses the mark in delving deeper. Letting Stallone lead the story provides a heartfelt touch but can sometimes feel overly polished. Key aspects of his life, like his personal relationships or his children, especially the tragic loss of his son Sage, deserved a deeper exploration.
"Sly" tends to skim over Stallone's influential career. Although it gives due attention to iconic movies like the original "Rocky" and "Rambo," it doesn't provide an exhaustive analysis of Stallone's cinematic impact. To contemporary audiences, Rocky might be the wise mentor from the "Creed" series, but during their prime, the "Rocky" and "Rambo" movies were as renowned for their political subtext as their cinematic prowess.
By the mid-80s, Stallone's on-screen roles seemed to echo certain political sentiments, contrasting with figures like Bruce Springsteen. Joining forces with stars like Schwarzenegger and Clint Eastwood, Stallone often supported right-wing ideologies. His likening to legendary John Wayne in a 1985 Newsweek piece underscores his influence. A deeper dive into Stallone's political inclinations, potentially through insights from interviewees like Wesley Morris and Quentin Tarantino, would have enriched the narrative.
It's possible that a more candid portrayal of Stallone awaits in unseen footage. Despite the protective veneer, Stallone isn't one to shy away from controversy, especially in introspective discussions. His commitment to his craft is evident in his documentary on the making of "Rocky IV," which offers a profound look into his filmmaking process. This film might be the go-to for Stallone enthusiasts, providing a balanced view of the legend, without feeling like a promotional piece.
