40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic

Forty years had passed since the release of Sylvester Stallone's underdog boxing drama, "Rocky," which would go on to become one of the most beloved and enduring cinematic achievements of all time. In 2016, to commemorate this milestone, a retrospective documentary was released under the title "40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic." Narrated by the film's original writer-director-star, Sylvester Stallone, as well as John G. Avildsen, the man who brought this epic tale to life on the big screen, this documentary offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Hollywood classic. The film opens with an introductory sequence that sets the stage for the making of "Rocky," which was first conceived by Sylvester Stallone in the early 1970s, while he was struggling to make ends meet working as a struggling actor in New York City. Stallone drew inspiration from a real-life fight between boxers Chuck Wepner and Muhammad Ali – Wepner had gone the distance with Ali, giving the crowd a thrilling underdog story that would eventually become the heart and soul of "Rocky." As the documentary progresses, we see footage from the film's early production stages, including Stallone reading through the script to potential investors, including the legendary boxing promoter, Bob Arum. The documentary reveals that Stallone was initially met with skepticism and rejection by many of his peers, who deemed the script to be too long and the main character, Rocky Balboa, to be too one-dimensional to carry a feature-film role. Despite the doubts of others, Stallone persevered, convinced that he had something special on his hands. He poured his heart and soul into the film, rewriting the script and pouring over footage of real-life boxing matches to capture the essence of the sport. The documentary features interviews with many of the people involved in the production, including the film's star, Sylvester Stallone; co-stars Talia Shire and Carl Weathers; legendary composer Bill Conti; and producer Robert Chartoff. Throughout the documentary, we see footage of the original casting process, which included a long list of talented actors vying for the role of Rocky. Stallone himself went on to audition for the role of Apollo Creed, with a performance that was deemed too intense by the film's director, John G. Avildsen. Meanwhile, the search for an actor to play Rocky proved to be a challenge, with many auditioning actors unable to deliver the emotional depth and vulnerability that Stallone saw in the character. Talia Shire, who would go on to play Adrian Balboa in the film, recalled how Stallone brought tears to her eyes during the audition process, as he poured his heart and soul into the character. Shire would go on to become an integral part of the film's success, bringing a sensitive and vulnerable quality to the role of Adrian, with which the audience could deeply identify. The documentary also explores the film's groundbreaking fight choreography, which was largely accomplished through the use of body doubles and carefully staged sequences. We learn about the challenges faced by stunt coordinator, Fred Fuchs, who was tasked with choreographing a fight scene that would go down in history as one of the most memorable and suspenseful on film. As the documentary progresses, we witness the pivotal moment when the film's producers finally gained the necessary funds to complete the film. Stallone revealed in an interview that he went to the film's producers with a plea for $100,000 – the amount he felt the film needed to make a decent profit. What he got, however, was a meager $60,000, but this amount proved to be enough for the film to be shot, albeit with severe budget constraints. With its low budget and tight shooting schedule, "Rocky" faced numerous challenges from the get-go. The documentary reveals how Stallone had to take on multiple roles during production, from actor to writer to director, in order to keep costs down and meet the tight schedule. As filming wrapped up, Stallone, Avildsen, and the entire production team knew they had created something special. The documentary captures the sense of uncertainty and trepidation that surrounded the film's release, as many doubted whether the underdog story would resonate with audiences. However, when "Rocky" premiered on Christmas Day 1976, it was an instant phenomenon. Audiences from all walks of life flocked to see the film, drawn in by its powerful and emotional tale of an underdog who refuses to give up. The film's iconic score, which featured the classic anthem "Gonna Fly Now," became synonymous with the film's underdog spirit, striking a chord with audiences worldwide. In the documentary, Stallone, Avildsen, and many other members of the production team reflect on the film's enduring legacy, which has seen the film become a staple of popular culture. The film has spawned a series of sequels, remakes, and merchandise, cementing its place as one of the most beloved franchises in Hollywood. As the documentary concludes, we see footage from the film's cast and crew reflecting on what made "Rocky" so special – from its inspirational underdog story to its unforgettable characters and its timeless themes of perseverance and determination. In an era where CGI-generated blockbuster films dominate the box office, "40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of authentic storytelling and the human spirit that goes into making a film that has truly become a classic for the ages. In this special behind-the-scenes documentary, we are given a unique glimpse into the creation of a Hollywood classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. As the final credits roll, we are reminded that "Rocky" is not just a film – but a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of a true underdog story that will continue to inspire generations to come.