For many, Sylvester Stallone is likely viewed as little more than a musclebound action hero of 1980s & 90s flicks. This documentary from director Thom Zimny sets the record straight, portraying the Stallone that longtime fans know: the thoughtful, well-written artist. Whether you are relatively new to everything Sly or a seasoned connoisseur of his works, this doc has something for you.
Basically, "Sly" is one long interview with the man himself (interspersed with the thoughts of a few others) covering key points of his film career and life-in-general. Stallone ambles down the same mean streets of Hell's Kitchen, NY he grew up on, pontificates on a troubled early family life, and details his struggles breaking into Hollywood. From there--after the rocketship success to stardom on the back of 1976's Rocky--Sly recounts the ups and downs of a life in showbiz--including a late-career reinvention starting with Rocky Balboa & Rambo IV and carrying over into The Expendables.
One of the key tenets of a solid biography that I always look for is whether or not the subject seems to have learned anything from life experiences or can look back on a career/life with clear eyes. That is never a problem for Stallone, who clearly has a solid grasp at all times on who he was, who he is, and who he wants to be. For those unfamiliar with Sly, the depth of his emotional observations may surprise you.
Perhaps the hallmark of "Sly" is how well it can work for multiple audiences. As I've intimated already, it might be eye-opening for Stallone "newbies" to see him in a softer, more human light. But at the same time, longtime fans of the iconic actor are also treated to clips or observations heretofore unseen. For example, Sly speaks more candidly about Rocky 5 here than I've ever heard, and I also had no idea the depths of his father's influence on his life and art.
Overall, "Sly" is a documentary of the highest order. When you combine an adroit subject with a storied career and put it in the hands of a capable filmmaker, the end result is pretty special.
Basically, "Sly" is one long interview with the man himself (interspersed with the thoughts of a few others) covering key points of his film career and life-in-general. Stallone ambles down the same mean streets of Hell's Kitchen, NY he grew up on, pontificates on a troubled early family life, and details his struggles breaking into Hollywood. From there--after the rocketship success to stardom on the back of 1976's Rocky--Sly recounts the ups and downs of a life in showbiz--including a late-career reinvention starting with Rocky Balboa & Rambo IV and carrying over into The Expendables.
One of the key tenets of a solid biography that I always look for is whether or not the subject seems to have learned anything from life experiences or can look back on a career/life with clear eyes. That is never a problem for Stallone, who clearly has a solid grasp at all times on who he was, who he is, and who he wants to be. For those unfamiliar with Sly, the depth of his emotional observations may surprise you.
Perhaps the hallmark of "Sly" is how well it can work for multiple audiences. As I've intimated already, it might be eye-opening for Stallone "newbies" to see him in a softer, more human light. But at the same time, longtime fans of the iconic actor are also treated to clips or observations heretofore unseen. For example, Sly speaks more candidly about Rocky 5 here than I've ever heard, and I also had no idea the depths of his father's influence on his life and art.
Overall, "Sly" is a documentary of the highest order. When you combine an adroit subject with a storied career and put it in the hands of a capable filmmaker, the end result is pretty special.