Sylvester Stallone is a name synonymous with iconic characters such as Rocky Balboa, John Rambo, Lt. Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, and Barney Ross. This actor, writer, director, and producer, who rose from an underdog to a Hollywood legend, is getting an intimate look in Netflix’s feature-length documentary.
Netflix has unveiled the trailer for Sly, which promises an unparalleled peek into the life and times of Stallone. Directed by Thom Zimny, who has a reputation for crafting sensitive and intimate documentaries like The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash, this documentary seems poised to provide both insight and inspiration. With participation from industry stalwarts like Quentin Tarantino, Frank Stallone Jr., and co-stars including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Talia Shire, the documentary promises to offer a rich tapestry of stories and testimonials that capture the essence of Stallone’s journey.
What’s especially fascinating about the Stallone narrative is how his life has bled into his characters and vice versa. For nearly 50 years, Sylvester Stallone has entertained millions with iconic characters and blockbuster franchises,” says the official logline. It highlights how his personal journey parallels the unforgettable personas he has portrayed on the silver screen.
Delving into his early days, Stallone’s career was by no means a cakewalk. He was initially considered “un-castable” by the industry. But resilience led him to pen Rocky, the 1976 blockbuster that not only clinched the title for Best Picture but also secured the top spot in the year’s box office collection. Taking a gamble on himself as the film’s protagonist, he captured the imagination of millions with his portrayal of the underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa. Stallone recollected his initial experiences, stating, “Nobody wanted to make it. It was my best writing too.” Through Rocky, he highlighted the raw determination of an ordinary Philly boxer wanting to prove his mettle against the reigning champion Apollo Creed.
While Stallone’s professional life soared, challenges and tribulations punctuated his personal life. The documentary will touch upon these tender aspects, where Stallone candidly speaks about the consequences of being so engrossed in his craft, often placing work before family. He emphasizes the paramount importance of family, stating, “Without the love of a wife or children, what is this? These are just pictures of something that never existed.” This reflective sentiment mirrors the turbulence in his marital life, especially when Jennifer Flavin, his wife of 25 years, filed for divorce, though they reconciled shortly afterward.
The film highlights a significant facet of Stallone’s mindset as well. He captures his perspective in his statement: “What is healthier, to live under the illusion and still have a little glimmer of hope that you could have been great, or blow it, and be like, ‘You’re a failure?’ The rejection was my encouragement.” This ethos, underlined by grit and determination, characterizes Stallone’s approach to both life and work. Despite facing multiple rejections, he took them in stride, using them as fuel to forge ahead and ultimately shine in Hollywood’s spotlight.
Netflix’s commitment to telling stories of the industry’s legendary figures is evident. After charting the journey taken by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Arnold, the streaming platform now turns its lens towards Stallone.
The documentary, having premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, has garnered early accolades, boasting a pristine 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes from the initial reviews. Descriptions of the documentary range from “disarmingly open” to being filled with “great stories” about Stallone’s enduring legacy.
Contributions from a range of industry voices add depth and dimension to this documentary. With insights from family, close friends, and contemporaries, viewers are granted a holistic view of Stallone’s evolution as an artist and individual.
As Netflix’s Sly gears up for its release on November 3rd, audiences worldwide await an intimate and powerful account of Sylvester Stallone’s cinematic journey and the lessons, experiences, and reflections that shaped this legend. With an arsenal of iconic roles and a life filled with highs and lows, this documentary is set to offer a poignant exploration of an artist’s relationship with fame, family, and self.
Sylvester Stallone starred in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Expend4bles earlier this year. Unfortunately, while the former was a massive hit at the global box office, the latter was quite disappointing.
