The improbable rise of Sylvester Stallone and his groundbreaking film "Rocky" is the subject of "I Play Rocky," a new biopic from director Peter Farrelly. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, chronicles Stallone's tenacious battle to bring his passion project to the screen and star in it himself.
Fifty years ago, "Rocky," a low-budget film written by and starring an unknown Sylvester Stallone, became an unexpected cultural phenomenon. Despite a modest $1 million budget and little initial faith from its studio, United Artists, the movie resonated with audiences and launched Stallone's career. "I Play Rocky" aims to capture that same spirit of an underdog triumph.
Anthony Ippolito, a 27-year-old actor with limited credits, takes on the challenging role of Stallone. Like Stallone in his breakthrough, Ippolito has been met with some skepticism, but early reviews suggest his performance is a compelling portrayal rather than a caricature. He captures Stallone's early struggles, his dreams, and the raw energy that would define his on-screen persona.
The film depicts Stallone's difficult early years in New York City, where he worked odd jobs and experienced homelessness before dedicating himself to screenwriting. The narrative highlights the pivotal moment in 1975 when, after watching the fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, Stallone was inspired to write the story of the tenacious "Bayonne Bleeder." This sparked the idea for "Rocky."
"I Play Rocky" also delves into the behind-the-scenes conflict with producers Irwin Winkler (P.J. Byrne) and Bob Chartoff (Toby Kebbell), who were initially hesitant to cast the unknown Stallone in the lead role, preferring established stars. Tracy Letts portrays Sandy Maddox, a fictionalized studio executive who grapples with Stallone's insistence on starring in his own script. The film uses sharp, witty dialogue to portray the negotiations and challenges Stallone faced in convincing the studio to greenlight his vision.
The production of "Rocky" itself is a key focus. Facing budget constraints, the filming location was moved to Philadelphia, and the crew utilized the then-new Steadicam technology not for artistic innovation but for efficiency. The movie also touches on the challenges of working with co-star Carl Weathers (Stephan James), who was not an experienced boxer. The film culminates with the grueling yet emotional filming of the iconic fight scenes, showcasing Stallone channeling his personal struggles and the doubters in his life.
Director Peter Farrelly, known for "Green Book," faced his own uphill battle with his last film, "The Greatest Beer Run Ever." With "I Play Rocky," he appears to have found renewed success, collaborating with a compelling story and a promising young lead in Ippolito. The film has been praised for its stirring, inspiring, and surprisingly hilarious tone, offering a fresh perspective on a story audiences may think they know.