The new documentary looks back at the Rambo star's influence on the film industry over the past 50 years.
Last Updated: 07.02 PM, Oct 30, 2023
Sylvester Stallone's biopic potential goes beyond the roles he is best known for playing, such as Rocky and Rambo. Rather, Sly is a documentary that delves as deeply into the life and work of the Oscar-nominated actor, writer, director, and producer as it does into the characters he has brought to life over the years. It's a personal, introspective look at Stallone's life and career, with parallels drawn to the unforgettable roles he's portrayed.
A half-century legacy in entertainment
Stallone has been working in the entertainment industry for almost 50 years, during which time he has created iconic box office hits including Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables. In bringing his screenplay for Rocky to life in 1976, he demonstrated his talents as an actor, director, and artist. After a successful opening weekend and an Oscar win, the film's fortunes began to decline. In Sly, the creator opens up about his career setbacks, explaining how they served as fuel for his creative fire.
The question is posed about whether it is healthier to live under the illusion and still have a little glimmer of hope that it could have been great. In the Sly teaser, Stallone asks if one wants to blow it and be told, 'You're a failure?' In his opinion, the simpler path is to ignore reality, and the negative response bolstered his confidence.
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Escaping a difficult upbringing: The early years
His early interest in films was an attempt to forget a difficult upbringing. Sylvester Stallone narrates his tale in this documentary, detailing his rise from underdog to Hollywood legend.
With interviews with Schwarzenegger's contemporaries like Tarantino and Arnold, as well as unmatched access to the actor himself, Thom Zimny's film Sly is a mix of retrospective and Hollywood nostalgia.
Netflix debut: A glimpse into Stallone's impact
On November 3, Netflix will debut Sly, and the new documentary looks back at Stallone's influence on the film industry over the past half-century.