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Rocky

For other uses, see Rocky (disambiguation).
Rocky
Rocky:Rocky poster
Original Rocky movie poster, it depicts Rocky Balboa with Adrian Pennino (his girlfriend-soon-wife) after the fight. This shot was taken by Stallone's first wife and was intended to be the original final scene[1]
Directed by John G. Avildsen
Produced by Robert Chartoff
Irwin Winkler
Written by Sylvester Stallone
Starring Sylvester Stallone
Talia Shire
Burt Young
Carl Weathers
Burgess Meredith
Music by Bill Conti
Editing by Richard Halsey
Scott Conrad
Distributed by United Artists
Release date(s) November 21, 1976
Running time 119 min.
Language English
Budget US$1,100,000
Followed by Rocky II
All Movie Guide profile

Rocky (1976) is an American film written by and starring Sylvester Stallone and directed by John G. Avildsen. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Italian-American Rocky Balboa, a slightly dim-witted but good-hearted debt collector for a loan shark in Philadelphia with a talent for boxing, who gets a shot at the world heavyweight title. Also starring in Rocky are Talia Shire as Adrian Panina, Burt Young as Adrian's brother Paulie Panina, Burgess Meredith as Mickey Goldmill, his trainer, and Carl Weathers as Rocky's opponent Apollo Creed.

The film, made for a low budget of only $1.1 million,[2] and shot relatively fast in 28 days, was a sleeper hit; it made over US $117.2 million,[3] won three Oscars and garnered mostly positive reviews which helped to launch Stallone's career.[4] It spawned four sequels, Rocky II, III, IV, and V; a sixth installment (titled Rocky Balboa, again starring and directed by Stallone) is expected to be released on December 20, 2006.[5]


Contents

Production

Sylvester Stallone's original concept for Rocky was inspired by his viewing of a fight between Muhammed Ali and Chuck Wepner.[1] The idea of an underdog boxer going the distance and putting up a fierce fight against all odds appealed to Stallone. Stallone had written a screenplay entitled Paradise Alley. After reading the script, producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff invited Stallone to meet them. Stallone brought up his idea for Rocky; Chartoff was impressed with the concept and he and Winkler agreed to support Stallone financially while he wrote the script; with the understanding that they would get to see it first.

Certain elements of the story were altered during filming, however. The original script had a much darker tone -- Mickey Goldmill, Rocky's trainer, was portrayed as very racist, and the script ended with Rocky throwing the fight after realizing he did not want to be part of the professional boxing world after all.[1]

Although Winkler and Chartoff were very enthusiastic about the script, they were, at first, somewhat hesitant to allow Stallone to play the main character. The producers also had trouble casting other key characters in the story. The parts of Adrian and Apollo Creed were cast very late by production standards (although both were cast on the same day). According to The Rocky Scrapbook, Carrie Snodgress was originally chosen to play Adrian, but a money dispute forced the producers to look elsewhere. Talia Shire's audition impressed both the producers and Stallone, who believed her appearance, acting and even voice fitted the part of Adrian perfectly. The character of Apollo Creed initially went to Ken Norton, but when he pulled out, Carl Weathers auditioned. Impressed with Weathers' attitude, body, and voice, Stallone, along with Avilden, Chartoff and Winkler insisted that he play the part.[1]

Garrett Brown's Steadicam, a camera attached to a weighted system of pulleys so that it would not shake while its operator ran, was used for the first time in this movie, during Rocky's training run up the flight of stairs.[6] The final fight scene was filmed in reverse order, with the actors starting out in heavy make-up, which eventually wore off as the scenes were shot.[7]

Plot

Rocky:Rocky Balboa.
Enlarge
Rocky Balboa.

Rocky Balboa is a small-time boxer who lives in an apartment in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his career has so far not gotten off the canvas. Rocky earns a living by collecting debts for a loan shark named Gazzo, but Gazzo doesn't think Rocky has the viciousness it takes to beat up deadbeats. Rocky still boxes every once in a while to keep his boxing skills sharp, and his ex-trainer, Mickey, believes he could've made it to the top if he was willing to work for it. Rocky goes to a pet store, and this is where he meets a young woman named Adrian, who is extremely shy, with no ability to talk to men. Rocky befriends her. Adrian later surprises Rocky with a dog from the pet shop that Rocky had befriended. Adrian's brother Paulie, who works for a meat packing company, is thrilled that someone has become interested in Adrian, and Adrian spends Thanksgiving with Rocky. Later, they go to Rocky's apartment, where Adrian explains that she has never been in a man's apartment before. Rocky sets her mind at ease, and they become lovers. Current Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) comes up with the idea of giving an unknown a shot at the title. Apollo checks out the Philadelphia boxing scene, and chooses Rocky. Fight promoter Jergens gets things in gear, and Rocky starts training with Mickey. After a lot of training, Rocky is ready for the match, and he wants to prove that he can go the distance with Apollo.To prepare for the fight, Rocky trains with 1920s-era ex-bantamweight fighter Mickey Goldmill, (Burgess Meredith), while Rocky's best friend Paulie (Burt Young), a cold-storage worker, lets him practice his punches on the carcasses hanging in the freezers.

Apollo meets Rocky at a press conference and takes Rocky for a joke, but still respects his capabilities. Rocky doubts himself of beating the champ, but still has a little confidence inside him. The fight is set for January 1, 1976, at the Philadelphia Spectrum. Rocky comes out into the crowd, and gets cheered by the crowd. The crowd goes crazy for Apollo as he enters with his Uncle Sam outfit, throwing money onto the crowd. Rocky and his trainer Mickey look on and make fun of his theatrics.

Rocky:Rocky fighting Apollo Creed.
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Rocky fighting Apollo Creed.

Apollo enters the ring, and is greeted by former boxing champion Joe Frazier.Frazier makes an appearance because Philadelphia is his hometown. Apollo says to him that he is next. The fight begins and Apollo dances around a couple of times, then starts to jab the face of Rocky. But after a while of punishment, Rocky swings at Apollo with a left hook that knocks down Apollo, who quickly gets back up on his feet and is furious.

Subsequently, Apollo takes the fight seriously and destroys Rocky completely with numerous roundhouse punches, dozens of shots directly to the head, more blood than would ever be allowed to flow in a title match. However, Rocky broke one of Apollo's ribs in the later rounds, and Apollo was beaten up before he was saved by the final bell. At the end, Apollo wins (by split decision) but Rocky doesn't care, he looks for Adrian, who comes running into the ring, and tells her he loves her.

Cast

Main cast

Cameo appearances

With the character of outspoken Apollo Creed heavily influenced by real-life outspoken Muhammad Ali, one interesting detail is the cameo appearance of Joe Frazier, a former world heavyweight champion who fought Ali three times, as himself. (During the Academy Awards ceremony, Ali and Stallone staged a brief comic confrontation which ended amiably, making it clear that Ali was not offended by the film.)

Due to the film's low budget, members of Stallone's family played minor roles; his father rings the bell to signal the start and end of a round, his brother plays a street corner singer, and his first wife, Sasha, was the set photographer.[1] Other cameos include Los Angeles television sportscaster Stu Nahan, playing himself, and Lloyd Kaufman, founder of the longest-running independent film company Troma, appearing as a drunk.Long time Detroit Channel 7 news anchor Dianna Lewis has a small scene as a T.V. news reporter.

Critical reception

Reviews

Rocky received mostly positive reviews when it was released in 1976, being very well received film reviewers.[1] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave Rocky 4 out of 4 stars,[9] and Box Office Magazine claimed that audiences would be "...touting Sylvester (Sly) Stallone as a new star".[10] Phil Villarreal of the Arizona Daily Star praised Stallone's performance saying "Stallone thoroughly owns the movie with his groggy, downbeat delivery and sense of indomitability".[11] However, Vincent Canby of the New York Times called it "pure '30's make believe" and slammed both Stallone's acting and Alvidson's directing, calling the latter "...none too decisive..."[12]

Over 30 years later, the film enjoys a reputation as a classic and still receives generally positive reviews. Film-goers at the movie website IMDb voted Rocky a 7.8 out of 10 rating,[13] and Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 100% fresh rating.[14] Another positive online review came from the BBC Films website, with both reviewer Almar Haflidason and BBC online users giving it 5/5 stars.[15] In Steven J. Schneider's 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, Schneider says the film is "often overlooked as schmaltz."[16]

Awards

Rocky was nominated for Academy Awards in ten categories winning three:[17]

Rocky has also appeared on several of the American Film Institute's 100 Years lists.

The Directors Guild of America awarded Rocky it's annual award for best film of the year in 1976, and in 2006, Sylvester Stallone's original screenplay for Rocky was selected by the Writers Guild of America as the 78th best screenplay of all time.[22]

Music

Rocky's soundtrack was composed by Bill Conti. The main theme song "Gonna Fly Now" made to number one on the Billboard Magazines Hot 100 list for one week (from July 2 to July 8, 1977) and the American Film Institute placed it 58th on its AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs.[23][24] The complete soundtrack was re-released in 1988 by EMI on CD and cassette.[25] Bill Conti was also the composer for Rocky II, III and V, and will return for the sixth installment.[26]

Although the Bill Conti version of "Gonna Fly Now" is the most recognizable arrangement, a cover of the song performed by legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson on his Conquistador album prior to the release of the motion picture soundtrack actually outsold the soundtrack itself.[27]

Cultural influences

Rocky Steps

Main article: Rocky Steps
Rocky:Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The famous scene of Rocky running up the museum steps has become a cultural icon. In 1982 a statue of Rocky, commissioned by Stallone for Rocky III, was placed at the top of the Rocky Steps. City Commerce Director Dick Doran claimed that Stallone and Rocky had done more for the city's image than "anyone since Ben Franklin."[28]

Differing opinions of the statue and its placement led to its eventual relocation to the sidewalk outside the Philadelphia Spectrum Arena, although the statue was temporarily returned to the top of the steps in 1990 for Rocky V, and again in 2006 for the thirtieth anniversary of the original Rocky movie (although this time it was placed at the bottom of the steps).[28]

The scene is also frequently parodied in the media. In the Simpsons episode "I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can", Lisa Simpson runs up a flight of stairs wearing a tracksuit similar to the one worn by Rocky.[29]and in 2006 E! Channel named the Rocky Steps scene number 13 in its 101 Most Awesome Moments in Entertainment.[30] Also, in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the main character, Will Smith is seen running up a flight of stairs (presumably the actual Rocky Steps as the episode takes place in Philidelphia) and doing the same victory jump (before comically falling to the ground, exhausted). He also parodies the training scene from the original Rocky movie.

During the 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay, Philadelphia native Dawn Staley was chosen to run up the museum steps. In 2004, Presidential candidate John Kerry ended his pre-convention campaign at the foot of the steps before going to Boston to accept his party's nomination for President.[31]

Other films & media

In an effort to captialize on the sucess of Rocky, the 1970 pornography film Party at Kitty and Stud's was re-released under the title of The Italian Stallion, a reference to Rocky's nickname.[32] The film stars a 24 year old Sylvester Stallone as "Stud" in his film debut,[33] and also features Henrietta Holm as "Kitty".[34]

Rocky generated 4 sequels with a fifth to be released in 2006. The first sequel Rocky II (1979) sees Rocky reluctantly called back for a rematch with Apollo Creed in which, unlike the original, Rocky wins. Rocky II reunited the entire cast of the original Rocky. A new character appears in 1982's Rocky III, Clubber Lang (played by Mr. T) an outspoken young fighter insisting on a fight with Rocky. Rocky loses this bout, with Burgess Meredith's character Mickey suffering a heart attack before the fight. Rocky accepts an offer from his former rival turned friend Apollo Creed for help in regaining the title. Rocky IV (1985), which Stallone considers not only one of the best of the series but one of his best films,[35] sees the character of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) introduced, a strong Soviet fighter, Drago enters the United States convinced he can defeat any American fighter. Apollo Creed, well into his retirement, takes up the challenge and is killed in the ring by Drago. After Apollo's death Rocky decides to fight against Drago, despite his wife Adrian urging him not to, and travels to Russia to train for the fight. Rocky defeats Drago and remains the heavywieght champ (it should be noted that this was not an issue, as in the film it is stated that the championship comittee did not sanction the fight, thus it was a non title fight). The most recent entry into the series was Rocky V. Released in 1990, Rocky V was a departure from the rest of the series as is shows Rocky no longer professionaly fighting but instead training younger fighters, due to brain injuries. Rocky V centers around Rocky, having lost his fortune, and his efforts to train a young fighter, Tommy Gunn (played by real life boxer Tommy Morrison). However it becomes apparent that Gunn is merely using Rocky's fame for his own ends and the film ends with Rocky defeating Gunn in a fight in the street. The final addition to the Rocky series,[36] Rocky Balboa is set to be released in 2006. Rocky Balboa again sees Stallone starring alongside a real life boxer, in this caseAntonio Tarver as Mason "The Line" Dixon.

The Rocky series is heavily influenced by the successful 1968 Japanese manga Ashita no Joe.[37]

Video games

Several video games have been made based on the film. The first Rocky video game was released by Coleco for Colecovision in 1983.[38] Another was released in 1987 for the Sega Master System. More recently, a Rocky video game was released in 2002 for the Nintendo Gamecube, Sony Playstation 2, and Microsoft Xbox, and a sequel was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.


References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Sylvester Stallone. (2000). Rocky Gold Edition Video Commentary [DVD]. Australia: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
  2. ^ Rocky Budget. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  3. ^ Rocky Movie Gross @ Screen Source. Retrieved on 23 September, 2006.
  4. ^ Inside the Actors Studio with Sylvester Stallone. Retrieved on 28 September, 2006.
  5. ^ Rocky Balboa Release Date. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  6. ^ Stedicam. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  7. ^ Rocky Trivia. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  8. ^ Cast and Crew bios for Rocky. Retrieved on 15 November, 2006.
  9. ^ Roger Ebert Rocky Review (January 1 1977). Retrieved on 23 September, 2006.
  10. ^ Box Office Magazine Rocky Review (November 22 1976). Retrieved on 23 September, 2006.
  11. ^ Channel 4 Press Quotes. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006..
  12. ^ Vincent Cabny Rock Review for New York Times (November 22, 1976). Retrieved on 23 September, 2006.
  13. ^ Rocky @ IMDb. Retrieved on 17 September, 2006.
  14. ^ Rocky @ Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 6 October, 2006.
  15. ^ Rocky @ BBC Films. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  16. ^ Schneider, Stephen Jay, Garrett Chaffin-Quiray (review) (2005). 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (Revised Edition). London, England: New Burlington Books, 615.
  17. ^ IMDb Academy Awards 1977. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  18. ^ AFI 100 Years (1998). Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  19. ^ AFI 100 Cheers (June 14 2006). Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  20. ^ AFI 100 Quotes (2005). Retrieved on 29 September, 2006.
  21. ^ AFI 100 Heroes and Villains. Retrieved on 11 October, 2006.
  22. ^ 100 Best Screenplays by Writers Guild. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.
  23. ^ Popculturemadness.com list of 1977 number ones, based on Billboards lists (July 2- July 8 1977). Retrieved on 14 October, 2006.
  24. ^ AFI 100 songs (June 22 2004). Retrieved on 14 October, 2006.
  25. ^ Billboard.com - Rocky Soundtrack. Retrieved on 14 October, 2006.
  26. ^ Bill Conti @ IMDb. Retrieved on 14 October, 2006.
  27. ^ Liner notes of the Conquistador album
  28. ^ a b
  29. ^ I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can @ TV.com. Retrieved on 25 September.
  30. ^ E! Channel's 101 Most Awesome Moments in Entertainment. Retrieved on 23 September, 2006.
  31. ^ Philly.com. Retrieved on 16 November, 2006.
  32. ^ The Italian Stallion at Urban Legends (9 June 1997). Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  33. ^ Sylvester Stallone @ IMDb. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  34. ^ Party at Kitty and Studs @ IMDb. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  35. ^ Total Rocky.com Rocky VI news. Retrieved on 14 November, 2006.
  36. ^ Official Rocky Balboa Movie Blog (November 10, 2006). Retrieved on 15 November, 2006.
  37. ^ Clements, Jonatha. McCarthy Helen. [2006] (2006). The Anime Encyclopedia: Revised & Expanded Edition. Berkeley, CA: Stone Bridge Press. ISBN 978-1-933330-10-5
  38. ^ Game Companies : Coleco. Retrieved on 24 August, 2006.


Rocky Series
Rocky | Rocky II | Rocky III | Rocky IV | Rocky V | Rocky Balboa
Characters
Rocky Balboa | Apollo Creed | Clubber Lang
Ivan Drago | Tommy Gunn | Mason Dixon

Academy Award for Best Picture: Winners (1961-1980)

1961: West Side Story | 1962: Lawrence of Arabia | 1963: Tom Jones | 1964: My Fair Lady | 1965: The Sound of Music | 1966: A Man for All Seasons |1967: In the Heat of the Night | 1968: Oliver! | 1969: Midnight Cowboy | 1970: Patton | 1971: The French Connection | 1972: The Godfather | 1973: The Sting |1974: The Godfather Part II | 1975: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest | 1976: Rocky | 1977: Annie Hall | 1978: The Deer Hunter | 1979: Kramer vs. Kramer |1980: Ordinary People

Complete List | Winners (1927–1940) | Winners (1941–1960) | Winners (1981–2000) | Winners (2001– )

Categories


1976 films | Best Picture Academy Award winners | Films featuring a Best Actor Academy Award nominated performance | Films featuring a Best Actress Academy Award nominated performance | Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nominated performance | Philadelphia in film and television | Rocky | United Artists films

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