Rocky

[ScriptShadow]

Just revisiting this the other day. The writing in this movie is freaking top-notch. From the interesting characters to the unique settings (choosing an ice rink for a date - how many times have we chosen the easy restaurant date?). The scene where Burgess has to crawl back up and beg Rocky for a job has to be one of the best written scenes I've ever seen. The dialogue in that scene. The subtext. The build-up. It really is nothing short of brilliant.

I bring it up because Stallone's writing efforts since then have been underwhelming to say the least. Even amateurish. I'm wondering. Did Stallone get rewritten on Rocky? Or is it just one of those things where he was so emotionally connected to the material that inspiration brought him to another level?

[Signal30]

Re: Rocky

Although I haven't seen the movie, I'd say it probably was a case of having plenty 'o time to chew on that first project, and then having to pump out what follows in the moment. Sort of like the bands that hit it big with a great album (that they spent years honing), then sorta stagger around with the quickie sophomore effort.

A good reason to have several scripts under your belt before you try to get noticed.

[Midnite]

Re: Rocky

J From the interesting characters to the unique settings (choosing an ice rink for a date - how many times have we chosen the easy restaurant date?).

According to "Your Screenplay Sucks", the scene was originally written for a restaurant, but they couldn't afford the extra actors, so they found the cheapest venue available, put Adrian on wobbly skates and kept the dialog untouched......Sometimes magic happens.

Midnite

[Biohazard]

Re: Rocky

Sort of like the bands that hit it big with a great album (that they spent years honing), then sorta stagger around with the quickie sophomore effort.

That doesn't explain how Creedence Clearwater Revival released 5 masterpiece albums in the 2 years that followed their first release.

PS: CCR = one of the greatest bands of all time.

[reddery]

Re: Rocky

John Fogerty. Did you notice my quote is centerfield?

[cabbagewater]

Re: Rocky

This screenplay came up as conversation one day on the set. If I remember correctly the story was it was written either in one day or three days, I can't remember exactly. Wondering if anyone can confirm or is it just urban legend?

[ScriptShadow]

Re: Rocky

well I know initially it was written very fast. but i remember stallone saying that once the producers bought it, they did extensive rewrites. over months and months. maybe even a year. but I'm wondering if there's someone who came in and punched up the dialogue or something. cause it's not the dialogue of a first-time writer.

[Shot Across the Bow]

Re: Rocky

One interesting difference I found in the movie and the draft of Rocky I read was that when they offer him the fight with Apollo Creed, in the script he immediately agrees.

In the film, IIRC, he looks at his reflection in the mirror, and mutters something like "No," implying he's not worthy of a title shot. It's a great moment, really hitting on the theme of his journey for self-respect.

[Takeshiro]

Re: Rocky

Just (re)watched it after quite some time.
Amazing film. Loved how it's made. The film takes it time to talk about the protagonist's universe in details, never rushed by the plot. The characters and the relationship felt real. Goosebumps during the fight.

Aside from the story, the cinematography is great, and Stalonne gives us a 5 stars perf.

great, great, great flick all around.