“No one ounces harder than life.”
SLY is an autobiography documentary covering the early life and career of Sylvester Stallone. Most of the insights and information are shared by SLY himself. He is very candid and honest about his triumphs and failures.
SLY is a conundrum in the entertainment business. Here is a man who writes, directs, produces, and is the leading actor. He started out wanting to be an actor, but could not get cast due to his slurring words and droopy eyes. Creating his own scripts for himself was the answer. In the process, he wrote not one, but two, huge, highly successful, action-figure franchises which made him famous and rich beyond his expectations. ROCKY and RAMBO stemmed from his very violent, physically abusive childhood living with his father. It is truly a testament to SLY’s tenacity and persistence. He “knew” he would make it. He would accept nothing less from himself.
What I found fascinating was the journey back to his roots in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. If it weren’t for one teacher in college who suggested he could make a living through acting, SLY’s path would have been entirely different. (Kudos to teachers everywhere.) The bulk of his story was punctuated by clips, and family and colleague interviews. It was fun walking the streets with him and hearing his advice, fears, and regrets. It made him authentic and definitely more likable.
I found myself more fascinated with SLY’s writing process. He is an interesting man who sees himself in the light of day. He understands getting to the top of the mountain and jumping off a cliff. Fame has its pitfalls for sure. In the end, SLY says he is in the “hope business,” because he “hates sad endings.” I believe he is still not finished with all he envisions for himself. It is available to stream on Netflix.