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I Play Rocky: A Sensational Biopic of the Making of Stallone’s Classic
Confirmed
In Short: Peter Farrelly’s biopic of the making of Rocky is a triumph, capturing the spirit and mechanics of Hollywood moviemaking.
Peter Farrelly’s biopic, 'I Play Rocky,' is a masterful exploration of the making of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic 1976 film, Rocky. With Peter Gamble’s beautifully structured screenplay, the film not only recreates the behind-the-scenes drama but also pays homage to the art of filmmaking itself. The narrative follows Mike Stallone, played by Anthony Ippolito, as he auditions for a nameless role, eventually leading to the creation of Rocky. The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the cinematography to the production design, makes it a love letter to movies.
The emotional climax of the film comes when Burgess Meredith, played by Robert Morgan, agrees to train Stallone, a pivotal moment that mirrors the real-life struggles Stallone faced. This scene, along with the iconic run up the Philadelphia steps, showcases the innovative use of Steadicam, a technique that revolutionized the film industry. 'I Play Rocky' is not just a biopic; it is a celebration of the filmmaking process, making it a must-watch for both fans of Rocky and those interested in the history of cinema.
Anthony Ippolito, who stars as a young Sylvester Stallone, revealed that he and Stallone discussed Stallone’s early childhood and the many challenges he overcame, including paralysis of the lower left side of his face. This personal connection adds depth to the portrayal and underscores the authenticity of the film. The cast and crew cared deeply about Stallone’s opinion of the movie, with Farrelly stating, 'Ultimately, his opinion is the one we care most about.
Stallone’s insistence on playing the lead character, despite being unknown at the time, is a testament to his vision and determination. The film’s final moments, which are not recreated, offer a poignant conclusion to the saga. 'I Play Rocky' is a fitting tribute to the making of Rocky, turning the creation of the film into its own Rocky-like moment of triumph. The film’s 50th anniversary celebration adds a layer of significance, making it a timely and relevant piece of cinema.
Farrelly’s biopic is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It captures the essence of what it means to pursue a dream against all odds. As Johnny Carson famously said on The Tonight Show, 'If someone were to actually make a movie about the making of Rocky, nobody would believe it.' 'I Play Rocky' proves that the story of Rocky’s creation is as inspiring as the film itself, making it a must-see for anyone who loves movies and the people who make them.
Background
Peter John Farrelly is an American film director, screenwriter, producer and novelist. Along with his brother Bobby, the Farrelly brothers are mostly famous for directing and producing quirky comedy and romantic comedy films such as Dumb and Dumber; Shallow Hal; Me, Myself and Irene; There's Something About Mary; and the 2007 remake of The Heartbreak Kid.
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and largest publicly attended film festivals in the world.
What's confirmed
- Peter Farrelly’s biopic, 'I Play Rocky,' is a masterful exploration of the making of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic 1976 film, Rocky. With Peter Gamble’s beautifully structured screenplay, the film not only recreates the behind-the-scenes drama but also pays homage to the art of filmmaking itself. The narrative follows Mike Stallone, played by Anthony Ippolito, as he auditions for a nameless role, eventually leading to the creation of Rocky. The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the cinematography to the production design, makes it a love letter to movies.
- The emotional climax of the film comes when Burgess Meredith, played by Robert Morgan, agrees to train Stallone, a pivotal moment that mirrors the real-life struggles Stallone faced. This scene, along with the iconic run up the Philadelphia steps, showcases the innovative use of Steadicam, a technique that revolutionized the film industry. 'I Play Rocky' is not just a biopic; it is a celebration of the filmmaking process, making it a must-watch for both fans of Rocky and those interested in the history of cinema.
- Anthony Ippolito, who stars as a young Sylvester Stallone, revealed that he and Stallone discussed Stallone’s early childhood and the many challenges he overcame, including paralysis of the lower left side of his face. This personal connection adds depth to the portrayal and underscores the authenticity of the film. The cast and crew cared deeply about Stallone’s opinion of the movie, with Farrelly stating, 'Ultimately, his opinion is the one we care most about.
- Stallone’s insistence on playing the lead character, despite being unknown at the time, is a testament to his vision and determination. The film’s final moments, which are not recreated, offer a poignant conclusion to the saga. 'I Play Rocky' is a fitting tribute to the making of Rocky, turning the creation of the film into its own Rocky-like moment of triumph. The film’s 50th anniversary celebration adds a layer of significance, making it a timely and relevant piece of cinema.
- Farrelly’s biopic is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It captures the essence of what it means to pursue a dream against all odds. As Johnny Carson famously said on The Tonight Show, 'If someone were to actually make a movie about the making of Rocky, nobody would believe it.' 'I Play Rocky' proves that the story of Rocky’s creation is as inspiring as the film itself, making it a must-see for anyone who loves movies and the people who make them.
What's still developing
- Starting with Ippolito on screen as “Mike Stallone” auditioning for a nameless role, one of those aspiring actors working any menial job he can to support his dreams of making it in the industry, Gamble’s script shows us in linear fashion exactly how this impossible dream happened.
- On his way out the door he tucks a script he wrote called Paradise Alley (eventually a movie Stallone got made) under a pile that says “weekend reading”.
- Finally after knocking the budget down to just $1 million with clauses designed to get Stallone fired so they can get Ryan O’Neal or an actor on that level when it inevitably behind schedule, the saga of the actual filming begins and it has all been recreated with tender loving care, from the cinematography to production design, costume, music, editing, and one riotous scene after another that are not just about the making of this one film against all odds, it is really about the making of just about every film, a love letter to movies that in its own way is on par with Truffaut’s Day For Night.
- It is no spoiler to say I am going to reveal the final moments of Peter Farrelly ‘s fantastic crowd pleasing biopic chronicling the making of the 1976 classic, Rocky, that not only made Sylvester Stallone a major star, but also became one of the greatest behind the scenes stories in Hollywood history.
- In a year that marks the 50th anniversary of Rocky, a film that spawned five sequels and three more films in the Creed spinoff series with Michael B.
- Jordan, I Play Rocky brings us full circle right back to the beginning and manages to slyly recapture the fresh spirit that birthed it.
- “ I got to speak to Stallone prior to making the movie. It was a lot to take in because I’d spent over a year, by that point, studying him,” Ippolito said at THR ‘s Studio at 1 Hotel during TIFF, presented by sponsor Canada Goose.
- “ I think a lot of people know bits of [the story], but I didn’t know the big picture,” Farrelly said.