Rocky certainly tapped into the zeitgeist in 1976 winning not only the box office crown for the year (by a wide margin) but also three Oscars including best picture, best director and best editing. It is difficult to fathom today that an unknown (Stallone) could come out of obscurity (I think he’s best known as one of the accosters on the subway in Woody Allen’s 1971 Bananas at this point) to achieve such success.
Director John Avildsen had been around—directing archiveable films like 1970’s Joe and 1973’s Save the Tiger (Jack Lemmon’s Oscar win).
The film opens with Avildsen’s camera floating down from a mural of Christ—watching over Rocky has he hits rock bottom. He’s part Cinderella embodiment of the rags to riches American ethos (it is the bicentennial after all). He’s also part Brando’s Terry Malloy from On the Waterfront (kind of a semi-gangster, has-been fighter working the docks). This is also connected to Capra- Rocky is Jefferson Smith (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) or Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Rocky is a marvelous character- so well written and performed. Stallone notoriously bet on himself, writing the screenplay and then refusing to sell it unless he played the lead—even if it meant sacrificing money up front.
Shot on location in Philly—and that is a magnificent choice as well. Philly is so foul here- part of Rocky’s rough edges. In some scenes with the garbage and the run-down nature of the city, it looks like Berlin in 1945.
Stallone’s screenplay is patient—slowly developing his character. He’s just milling around the pet shop, often talking to himself while the mousy, afraid of her own shadow introvert Adrian (played by a superb Talia Shire) listens. It is an hour into the movie before Rocky even gets offered the fight. And unlike the sequels, there is really only one montage here- and it is a spectacular one. This is the one with the 4am wake up, drinking raw eggs at the fridge with Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” carrying Rocky.
The fight between Rocky and Creed happens at the 105-minute mark and this is the first fight since the opening two minutes. In the big fight they show most of round one and round two but skip really to round 14 after that.
Fun drinking game- drink every time someone uses the word “bum”
The actors in support of Stallone and Shire are just as impressive as the two leads. Burt Young as Paulie, Burgess Meredith as Mick, and Carl Weathers playing Creed like Mohammad Ali.
Avildsen deserves credit for the shadowy lighting, capturing the raw feel of Philly. Also, Stallone himself would go on to direct the next three sequels– and they simply aren’t as good as the original here by Avildsen.
I love that Rocky doesn’t want to get interviewed because he’s afraid of getting made fun of. It is just such an endearing trait- and such a different type of character. Most actors and performers naturally relish the chance to take the spotlight and make a speech. There are little touches like Rocky saying the robe is a “little baggy” on his way to the big fight and when Adrian climbs into the ring at the climatic moment, he says “where’s your hat?”- haha.
The entire Rocky series is such a cultural landmark just like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc. It’s a great representation of the American Dream/Rag to Riches Story.
– Rocky will always have a special place for me as it got me interested in watching boxing (real
boxing not as exciting as Rocky boxing ha)
– your right about the Philadelphia setting being perfect environment for this film, plus Philly
has a rich history of producing great boxing champions like Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Meldrick
Taylor, and Bernard Hopkins
– Funny I saw Rocky before the GF but didn’t recognize Connie was Adrian, obviously very
different characters
– Carl Weathers could not be more perfect as Apollo Creed, unlike Mr. T and Drago Apollo is
extremely likeable and charismatic
Does Rocky still work with someone like Burt Reynolds playing Rocky?
I must confess I’m not a big fan of Rocky. Watched it a couple of years ago, and thought it was quite mediocre. Stallone deserves a lot of respect for his gamble on himself, and its probably between this and first Rambo as his finest acting hour (but Marlon Brando comparisons are a bit much).
Things i liked:
– I agree with Drake that Avildsen gives Philly an interesting seedy edge
– Carl Weathers is charismatic as hell, and he is an interesting character. If I remember correctly, he picks Stallone because he likes his nickname and sees great marketing opportunity in the match.
Things I didn’t enjoy;
– I like “Gonna Fly Now” musically, but lyrics are an overkill for me. They somewhat spoil film 70s gritty vibe.
– Talia Share is good at playing an extremely introverted person, but the whole romance angle feels misjudged. She so shy that Rocky advances look like harassment and her brother behaves even worse.
– Direction of the boxing scenes is flat.
– Why Burgess Meredith and Burt Young were nominated is a mystery to me. They are okay, but for the life of me I cannot remember any particular scene that’s standout thanks to them.
@Drake I’m wanted to ask your opinion about Avildsen directorial win. Yeah-yeah, I know Oscars don’t matter much, but I feel they can provide interesting talking points.)
So I’m fine with Rocky best picture win, not a fan obviously but this underdog story spoke to a lot of people, so okay.
But I find Avildsen win truly baffling. Sure, Bergman and Wentmuller are “too european” for the academy. But you have Pakula and Lumet( and failed even to nominate Scorseses)! Personally, I would go with Lumet. I think he managed a great tonal tightrope with Network.
@Mad Mike – I agree here with the flat direction of the boxing scenes and the peculiar dynamic between Stallone’s Rocky and the Talia Shire character. It hasn’t aged as bad as I make it sound, but its texture is not exactly right, nonetheless. It is somewhat indescribable. You know it is a mostly healthy relationship we see, and yet there is something that gives. But we’re talking about flawed imperfect people here, and the brother’s behaviour is something I perceive in that context (though it isn’t normal or acceptable, really). I think nobody disputes how great a film Rocky is and how important it was culturally, but its Oscar wins don’t hold up artistically at all. There is a lot to praise, and mostly it is a narrative that rolls, a very realistic and yet hopeful approach of its subject matter, and overall it’s quality filmmaking. But it is no masterpiece.
@Georg – Appreciate your thoughtful reply! I want to make it clear that when I’m talking about Rocky/Adrain relationship I’m talking about how it works within narrative, not about the social morals from today position or something like that.
It’s just hard for me to care about a relationship where one person is so deep in her shell. And for me, it feels not as if she gets won over by Rocky personality or something, but browbeaten into relationship by Rocky persistence and her brother’s aggression.
I understand that I’m maybe I’m a bit hard on this movie. I think it’s maybe because of its huge cultural place and reputation. Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise.
Would love to hear your thoughts about the directors race that year.)
@Mad Mike- out of the five nominees I think I go with Paklua but agree Lumet would be a fine choice. Both would deserve it way more than Avildsen. I totally forgot Scorsese wasn’t even nominated until you mentioned it. What a disaster
Anderson
June 13, 2021 at 10:58 am
@Drake-How about Polanski not getting nominated for any of his apartment trilogy films(Repulsion,Rosemary’s Baby,Tenant)? Aren’t those disasters? If I am not wrong all 3 landed in the top 3 of 1965,1968 and 1976 respectively.
Drake
June 13, 2021 at 11:42 am
@Anderson- disappointed (he and those films deserved it)– but not surprised given the content and the genre. Just like I never expect David Lynch to be nominated for anything.
Anderson
June 13, 2021 at 12:27 pm
That was on my mind too given the genre. But the omission for Rosemary’s baby really feel like a disaster given it actually won oscars at that ceremony.
@Mad Mike — yeah, I mean it simply isn’t close to being the best directed film of 1976. So in that sense, given the name of the award, it is frustrating. As for the Brando comparisons– I mean they are largely superficial. Stallone doesn’t have a fraction of Brando’s talent. But this is certainly the Terry Malloy character. And both Stallone and Brando had athletic builds and mumbled a lot.
@Drake Oh, okay understood. I agree about superficial similarities.
I gotta say, I’m afraid that you can find yourself under the table before the movie finale if you drink every time when “bum” makes an appearance. I think there is a stretch in the middle of the movie where every third word from the characters mouth is a bum -hah
It’s just hard for me to care about a relationship where one person is so deep in her shell. And for me, it feels not as if she gets won over by Rocky personality or something, but browbeaten into relationship by Rocky persistence and her brother’s aggression.
I understand that I’m maybe I’m a bit hard on this movie. I think it’s maybe because of its huge cultural place and reputation. Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise.
Would love to hear your thoughts about the directors race that year.)
@Mad Mike – “Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise”
Yep, you can definitely include me in that category.
Your not wrong about Rocky as a work of art. But I don’t think that’s really the appeal for most of its fans. Like you said it’s cultural place and reputation are undeniable. While it’s the best of the series it’s hard to isolate the 1st movie without considering it within the context of the entire series. As a whole the series is great fun, highly re-watchable, and indelible in American pop culture. The series had great villains (Drago, Mr. T), memorable quotes, and crazy highs and lows. Although I’ve been watching a lot of quality cinema in the last 3 or 4 years I still love the Rocky series and am able to appreciate it in a different kind of way if that makes sense. I am also a big boxing fan and Rocky was what initially sparked my interest back in 8th grade! Thus, the series will always have a special place for me independent of the film as a work of art.
@Mad Mike – I enjoyed Creed and Creed II. Stallone’s in both and they are able to balance creating a new focus on the Michael B Jordan character while including some scenes with call backs to the original series. I basically love all the Rocky movies except Rocky V, that one is truly awful.
The entire Rocky series is such a cultural landmark just like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc. It’s a great representation of the American Dream/Rag to Riches Story.
– Rocky will always have a special place for me as it got me interested in watching boxing (real
boxing not as exciting as Rocky boxing ha)
– your right about the Philadelphia setting being perfect environment for this film, plus Philly
has a rich history of producing great boxing champions like Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Meldrick
Taylor, and Bernard Hopkins
– Funny I saw Rocky before the GF but didn’t recognize Connie was Adrian, obviously very
different characters
– Carl Weathers could not be more perfect as Apollo Creed, unlike Mr. T and Drago Apollo is
extremely likeable and charismatic
Does Rocky still work with someone like Burt Reynolds playing Rocky?
@James Trapp– I cannot picture Rocky played by Burt Reynolds.
I must confess I’m not a big fan of Rocky. Watched it a couple of years ago, and thought it was quite mediocre. Stallone deserves a lot of respect for his gamble on himself, and its probably between this and first Rambo as his finest acting hour (but Marlon Brando comparisons are a bit much).
Things i liked:
– I agree with Drake that Avildsen gives Philly an interesting seedy edge
– Carl Weathers is charismatic as hell, and he is an interesting character. If I remember correctly, he picks Stallone because he likes his nickname and sees great marketing opportunity in the match.
Things I didn’t enjoy;
– I like “Gonna Fly Now” musically, but lyrics are an overkill for me. They somewhat spoil film 70s gritty vibe.
– Talia Share is good at playing an extremely introverted person, but the whole romance angle feels misjudged. She so shy that Rocky advances look like harassment and her brother behaves even worse.
– Direction of the boxing scenes is flat.
– Why Burgess Meredith and Burt Young were nominated is a mystery to me. They are okay, but for the life of me I cannot remember any particular scene that’s standout thanks to them.
@Drake I’m wanted to ask your opinion about Avildsen directorial win. Yeah-yeah, I know Oscars don’t matter much, but I feel they can provide interesting talking points.)
So I’m fine with Rocky best picture win, not a fan obviously but this underdog story spoke to a lot of people, so okay.
But I find Avildsen win truly baffling. Sure, Bergman and Wentmuller are “too european” for the academy. But you have Pakula and Lumet( and failed even to nominate Scorseses)! Personally, I would go with Lumet. I think he managed a great tonal tightrope with Network.
@Mad Mike – I agree here with the flat direction of the boxing scenes and the peculiar dynamic between Stallone’s Rocky and the Talia Shire character. It hasn’t aged as bad as I make it sound, but its texture is not exactly right, nonetheless. It is somewhat indescribable. You know it is a mostly healthy relationship we see, and yet there is something that gives. But we’re talking about flawed imperfect people here, and the brother’s behaviour is something I perceive in that context (though it isn’t normal or acceptable, really). I think nobody disputes how great a film Rocky is and how important it was culturally, but its Oscar wins don’t hold up artistically at all. There is a lot to praise, and mostly it is a narrative that rolls, a very realistic and yet hopeful approach of its subject matter, and overall it’s quality filmmaking. But it is no masterpiece.
@Georg – Appreciate your thoughtful reply! I want to make it clear that when I’m talking about Rocky/Adrain relationship I’m talking about how it works within narrative, not about the social morals from today position or something like that.
It’s just hard for me to care about a relationship where one person is so deep in her shell. And for me, it feels not as if she gets won over by Rocky personality or something, but browbeaten into relationship by Rocky persistence and her brother’s aggression.
I understand that I’m maybe I’m a bit hard on this movie. I think it’s maybe because of its huge cultural place and reputation. Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise.
Would love to hear your thoughts about the directors race that year.)
@Mad Mike- out of the five nominees I think I go with Paklua but agree Lumet would be a fine choice. Both would deserve it way more than Avildsen. I totally forgot Scorsese wasn’t even nominated until you mentioned it. What a disaster
@Drake-How about Polanski not getting nominated for any of his apartment trilogy films(Repulsion,Rosemary’s Baby,Tenant)? Aren’t those disasters? If I am not wrong all 3 landed in the top 3 of 1965,1968 and 1976 respectively.
@Anderson- disappointed (he and those films deserved it)– but not surprised given the content and the genre. Just like I never expect David Lynch to be nominated for anything.
That was on my mind too given the genre. But the omission for Rosemary’s baby really feel like a disaster given it actually won oscars at that ceremony.
@Mad Mike — yeah, I mean it simply isn’t close to being the best directed film of 1976. So in that sense, given the name of the award, it is frustrating. As for the Brando comparisons– I mean they are largely superficial. Stallone doesn’t have a fraction of Brando’s talent. But this is certainly the Terry Malloy character. And both Stallone and Brando had athletic builds and mumbled a lot.
@Drake Oh, okay understood. I agree about superficial similarities.
I gotta say, I’m afraid that you can find yourself under the table before the movie finale if you drink every time when “bum” makes an appearance. I think there is a stretch in the middle of the movie where every third word from the characters mouth is a bum -hah
It’s just hard for me to care about a relationship where one person is so deep in her shell. And for me, it feels not as if she gets won over by Rocky personality or something, but browbeaten into relationship by Rocky persistence and her brother’s aggression.
I understand that I’m maybe I’m a bit hard on this movie. I think it’s maybe because of its huge cultural place and reputation. Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise.
Would love to hear your thoughts about the directors race that year.)
@Mad Mike – “Also, I have a suspicion that many people have nostalgic feelings for it, having grown up with the franchise”
Yep, you can definitely include me in that category.
Your not wrong about Rocky as a work of art. But I don’t think that’s really the appeal for most of its fans. Like you said it’s cultural place and reputation are undeniable. While it’s the best of the series it’s hard to isolate the 1st movie without considering it within the context of the entire series. As a whole the series is great fun, highly re-watchable, and indelible in American pop culture. The series had great villains (Drago, Mr. T), memorable quotes, and crazy highs and lows. Although I’ve been watching a lot of quality cinema in the last 3 or 4 years I still love the Rocky series and am able to appreciate it in a different kind of way if that makes sense. I am also a big boxing fan and Rocky was what initially sparked my interest back in 8th grade! Thus, the series will always have a special place for me independent of the film as a work of art.
@James Trapp Actually I haven’t watched other rocky movies yet.) I understand your position and I think it’s perfectly valid.
What do you think about Creed movies?
@Mad Mike – I enjoyed Creed and Creed II. Stallone’s in both and they are able to balance creating a new focus on the Michael B Jordan character while including some scenes with call backs to the original series. I basically love all the Rocky movies except Rocky V, that one is truly awful.