Going the Distance
"It really don't matter if I lose this fight...
all I wanna do is go the distance." ~ Rocky (1976)
There are some films that strike a deep chord in the hearts and minds of audiences, "Rocky" and all the subsequent sequels are among those films (well, with the exception of Rocky 5).
Each movie in the "Rocky" franchise has the ability to stand alone as a film, which is a testament to Sylvester Stallone as a writer and as an actor. With Rocky Balboa Stallone created an endearing lovable loser character that everyone could not only identify with but also root for. The success of the franchise is due in part to the raw, undiluted brilliance of first movie, "Rocky."
GOING THE DISTANCE
One of my absolute favorite scenes from the first film is when Rocky reveals to Adrian his goal for the fight against Apollo Creed. In that scene he declares, "all I wanna do is go the distance." Its such a humble goal - Rocky doesn't say he wants to win, in fact he doesn't think he can win but if he can go the distance with the Champ in the ring this would give his whole life new meaning.
Each movie in the "Rocky" franchise has the ability to stand alone as a film, which is a testament to Sylvester Stallone as a writer and as an actor. With Rocky Balboa Stallone created an endearing lovable loser character that everyone could not only identify with but also root for. The success of the franchise is due in part to the raw, undiluted brilliance of first movie, "Rocky."
GOING THE DISTANCE
One of my absolute favorite scenes from the first film is when Rocky reveals to Adrian his goal for the fight against Apollo Creed. In that scene he declares, "all I wanna do is go the distance." Its such a humble goal - Rocky doesn't say he wants to win, in fact he doesn't think he can win but if he can go the distance with the Champ in the ring this would give his whole life new meaning.
On the surface this goal appears simplistic but in fact its grandiose and sophisticated. Rocky is telling Adrian that it doesn't matter if he loses the fight he wants to find out if he has the goods, he wants to find out if he's talented enough to stay in the ring with the World Champ and hold his own.
To me its an endearing moment that grounds not only the character but the audience as well. It serves to propel both (equally) into belief. Up to this point in the movie Rocky is likable loser and this scene creates a manageable goal for everyone to get behind and its this that conjures Rocky's trajectory towards victory.
THE MAKING OF ROCKY
I watched a documentary recently on the making of ROCKY and in it Stallone explains how the studio actually wanted to cut this scene. They wanted to save money but Stallone knew that this was a pivotal scene in the movie and fought for it. Eventually the studio allowed him to shoot the scene but didn't give him much lead way - he had to film the scene in one take.
To me the movie and the character would not have been the same without this scene. In this scene the audience gets to experience Rocky being unabashedly honest and vulnerable. I think these are the traits that resonated with audiences back in 1976 when the film was first released and its was continues to appeal to audiences today... THAT and also the fact that he's Italian :)
ROCKY... ON BROADWAY
There is so much love and appreciation for the first "Rocky" movie that it has recently been turned into Musical. It opened in Germany to rave reviews and will make its Broadway debut at New York's Winter Garden in February 2014.
Here's a trailer for the show:
To me its an endearing moment that grounds not only the character but the audience as well. It serves to propel both (equally) into belief. Up to this point in the movie Rocky is likable loser and this scene creates a manageable goal for everyone to get behind and its this that conjures Rocky's trajectory towards victory.
I found the scene on-line, take a look and see for yourself.
THE MAKING OF ROCKY
I watched a documentary recently on the making of ROCKY and in it Stallone explains how the studio actually wanted to cut this scene. They wanted to save money but Stallone knew that this was a pivotal scene in the movie and fought for it. Eventually the studio allowed him to shoot the scene but didn't give him much lead way - he had to film the scene in one take.
To me the movie and the character would not have been the same without this scene. In this scene the audience gets to experience Rocky being unabashedly honest and vulnerable. I think these are the traits that resonated with audiences back in 1976 when the film was first released and its was continues to appeal to audiences today... THAT and also the fact that he's Italian :)
ROCKY... ON BROADWAY
There is so much love and appreciation for the first "Rocky" movie that it has recently been turned into Musical. It opened in Germany to rave reviews and will make its Broadway debut at New York's Winter Garden in February 2014.
Here's a trailer for the show:
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