The historical question of how Rocky interprets the societal values of America, and reflects that culture in an art style that is evident in the way the story unfolded, is relevant when considering this influential movie. The New American Cinema movement played a clear role in the filming of this movie. Rocky is a blockbuster film that included Stallone’s incredible involvement in the outcome of the movie. Although he was not a director of the film, Stallone played a crucial role in the filmmaking process, which coincides with this movement. In addition, Rocky was an extremely popular film with audiences around the world, and elements of it have been copied by other movies through the years. Furthermore, Rocky displays many key features of mainstream cinema, not the least of which is its one million budget, as was stated in a NY Times article. The storyline is simple to follow, and the ending was very decisive, which is part of what makes up a mainstream film. The social issue that Rocky addresses is merely reiterating the conventional hope that a stranger in a crowd of talent can rise to the top if they work hard enough to achieve success.

In an article from the NY Times from 1976 entitled, “’Rocky Isn’t Based on Me,’ Says Stallone, ‘But We Both Went the Distance’”, the process of writing and filming Rocky is explored from Stallone’s perspective in detail. The first inspiration for the film came from watching a Muhammad Ali fight in a movie theater, whereupon Stallone first was struck with the idea of Rocky Balboa’s character. As the article goes on to say, Stallone gathered more ideas for the script, then wrote it in just a few days. In a quote from the actor in this interview, Stallone says that, “'[t]here were 14 pages of left, right, right, left, left hook,’ he said. ‘What looked like haphazard throwing of punches was an exact ballet.’” The extreme dedication that was involved in the filming process, illustrates the precise movements of the boxing sequences that were beautifully choreographed ahead of time. Stallone reiterates his viewpoint that he wants to be remembered, “‘as a man of raging optimism, who believes in the American Dream.’” This optimism that clearly favors the societal idea of American opportunities, is in abundance throughout Rocky.

A very dissimilar opinion is put forth in an article from Variety, by A.D. Murphy, which states that the storyline of Rocky matched its length, although the feeling behind the scenes that the filmmakers tried to present was too obvious at times. This article understands that the majority of audiences fell in love with the happy ending, yet affirms with superiority the point that it is meaningless.

Rocky is a movie that immediately draws the audience into the action of the boxing scenes, yet has an element of romance in Rocky Balboa’s relationship with Adrian. A 1976 interview with Stallone focuses on the amazing meticulousness that went into scripting the boxing scenes, which pays off in the lifelike fights. Audiences have a true sense of Rocky’s pain during the boxing tournament, yet his absolute determination to keep going. The heart-warming ending fills audiences with contentment, as it demonstrates how it is possible to succeed with a dream.

This scene from Rocky demonstrates the societal ideal of the American Dream, which Stallone purposefully included in the storyline. In the article from Variety magazine, it suggests that the fairytale ending of Rocky is nothing more than a blatant attempt made by the filmmakers to attract large audiences. Yet, the ending corresponds with the main plot of the movie, and leaves the audience with an impression of attainable happiness in life, which seems to emanate from Stallone’s sincere expression of hope within his filming style. This interview with Stallone affirms the point that the perfect ending of Rocky was scripted with the hopes of putting forth an image to the public eye, of a man realizing a lifetime dream, rather than an effort solely performed to make money.