The narrative of an underdog triumphing against the odds isn't just a cinematic theme; it's a recurring motif in Academy Awards history. Fifty years ago, John G. Avildsen's "Rocky," a gritty tale of a small-time boxer, stunned the industry by beating out heavyweights like "All the President's Men" and "Taxi Driver" for Best Picture. This unexpected victory, driven by Sylvester Stallone's writing and starring performance, etched itself into Hollywood lore.
Fast forward to eight years ago, the Toronto International Film Festival witnessed another unexpected success story. Peter Farrelly's "Green Book" premiered, dividing critics but captivating audiences to win TIFF's coveted audience award. It ultimately went on to secure multiple Oscar nominations, including a Best Picture win.
Now, Farrelly has returned to TIFF with "I Play Rocky," a film chronicling the inspiration behind and making of the original "Rocky." Much like "Green Book," it received a polarized critical reception but was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from festivalgoers, earning mid-film applause and a lengthy standing ovation. These parallels are fueling predictions that "I Play Rocky" could follow in the Oscar-winning footsteps of both its namesake and Farrelly's previous success, potentially landing a Best Picture nomination, or even a win.
A standout element is Anthony Ippolito's performance as a young Sylvester Stallone. The 27-year-old actor delivers an uncanny portrayal, channeling Stallone's distinctive appearance and speaking style. His personal journey to securing this career-defining role echoes Stallone's own underdog story from five decades ago, potentially garnering significant support for Ippolito in what is shaping up to be a competitive Best Actor race.
However, the film faces a unique challenge: Sylvester Stallone himself. While Ippolito confirmed he spoke with Stallone, and Farrelly stated Stallone approved of the finished film, the legendary actor was not directly involved in its production nor is he set to financially benefit. Stallone has a documented history of advocating for a larger stake in the "Rocky" franchise, famously criticizing original producer Irwin Winkler in 2022.
"I Play Rocky" notably portrays Winkler (P.J. Byrne) and the late Robert Chartoff (Toby Kebbell), the original producers, in a sympathetic light. Winkler, now 95, even makes a cameo, and Chartoff's widow attended the premiere, suggesting their approval. A public endorsement from Stallone, who turned 80 in July, could significantly boost the film's Oscar chances. Conversely, any public criticism could severely damage them. Yet, the film, penned by Peter Gamble, largely celebrates Stallone's intellect, resilience, and talent, essentially reinforcing the often-repeated (and not always entirely accurate) legend of "Rocky's" genesis. This alone gives Stallone ample reason to champion the project.
Beyond Ippolito's compelling lead, the film features strong supporting performances from AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone's first wife, Tracy Letters as the head of United Artists, and Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen. Cinematographer Sean Porter, who also worked on "Green Book," along with production designer Anthony Gasparro, makeup artist Jackie Risotto, and hairstylist Nakoya Yancey, also contribute to the film's impressive craft. Amazon/MGM is slated to begin its U.S. rollout of "I Play Rocky" on November 6.
