Rocky was a New American Cinema masterpiece, which audiences adored and critics appreciated. Sylvester Stallone went from an unknown, struggling actor to a Hollywood sensation almost overnight, with the release of Rocky to theaters in 1976. Roger Ebert in his critical reveiew of Rocky states, “[i]t’s about heroism and realizing your potential, about taking your best shot and sticking by your girl.” He felt the film was masterfully written, as do many others.
As the author of a TCM article regarding the film, Richard Steiner, artfully put it, “…[Rocky was] a gritty little film with a mixture of special ingredients born from the determination of the film’s writer/star, and the unique climate of movie going in the Seventies.” He sought to fully express the film’s unique character and outlook with this line. The vast majority of critics throughout times have applauded Rocky as a well written, well-acted film for the ages. A 1976 New York Times interview with Stallone showed him to be giddy, understandably so, after all, he earned ten percent of all profits from the film.
Rocky gave audiences hope for their own futures, and renewed belief in the American dream that so many people have spent their lives chasing. Its effect on audiences was huge, offering society a temporary escape from their own lives. Society accepted the film so easily because of this element of escape. The film revolves around the city of Philadelphia, creating both a desolate and happy place, depending upon where in the plot you are. One of the first movies to be filmed on location in Philadelphia, Rocky helped set the stage for a new era of movies which would be filmed in different and exciting locations.
The film gave audiences a new sense of hope and optimism which would continue on for decades to come. Rocky is today still praised for its ability to turn a clichéd overworked plotline into a timeless classic that has yet to lose its spot in the limelight. The scene in Rocky which depicts an unsure and self-conscience Stallone asking a door, or more specifically the painfully shy girl behind the door, out on a date is touching and adorable. Stallone reveals to the audience in just a few moments that although he is big and gruff, his character has many facets, and he can show them all off. The movie clip of Adrian and Rocky going ice skating occurs just after he has asked her out. It becomes obvious that though she is shy, so is he.
On the other hand, the scene in the film wherein Rocky is walking alone down a deserted street emphasizes the intended feeling of desolation and loneliness. As stated in a 2015 research article by Lawrence Webb, “Wide shots predominate, situating Rocky as an isolated figure in the industrial landscape.”
Rocky is overwhelmingly conventional. The storyline is easy to follow, and does not challenge any social or political views. The film proudly presents a happy ending, one of the reasons audiences keep coming back to the film. Stallone created a hope for future unknown actors and actresses, that no matter the odds, they could make it in Hollywood.
Elise,
I also chose to watch Rocky this week, and admired the cinematography as well as the storyline of the film. I had not known that the character of Rocky Balboa was meant to be so uncertain, although upon further reflection, it does round out his personality rather well. Using two screenshots from the movie supported your viewpoints in the short essay, which I would very much like to do in my own future short essays, apart from using entire scenes from the film. This latter approach often is overlooked by readers, as they do not have the time to watch a ten minute clip in the middle of a post.
Elise,
After reading your essay, I realized I never knew that Rocky was one of the first filmed in Philadelphia and started the era of filming in “exciting” places. I also never really thought of how audience members could of used Rocky as a escape, which is pretty interesting. I really liked how you got your point across clearly and straight forward, something I’ll have to try more of in my writing.
Hey,
I personally like the story line of this film. I really liked how you organized your essay and how you got you point across clearly. I love how you described how this movie helped people. I like how you sued the images to tell your story and as well as how you described the character of Rocky.
Hi Elise,
I too enjoy the themes of Rocky and the essence of attaining our goals no matter the cost. I found it interesting that Rocky is what made Sylvester Stallone such a big name in Hollywood and even to this day is well know because of it. I like the way that you include small details from the film that speak to you and would like to do the same in my writings to come.
Elise,
Great post, I enjoyed reading it!
I wrote about Rocky as well, and I think we both talked about the idea that Rocky provided a sense of hope for the audience. You talked the element of escape, I explored the element of reality, given Stallone’s similar circumstance as a struggling professional.
Your integration of sources was very well done, good job!
Philadelphia isn’t really THAT exciting. But it’s visually different than New York, Chicago, etc. And the movie made the steps of the art museum ICONIC!