Incredible Soundtracks #25: Rocky (Conti)

The music attached to a film creates the environment, I believe, moreso than the literal environment depicted through the visuals...

I think it took me until Rocky III before I thought, sod it, I need to get the soundtrack. At the time, I was also jogging, so that is always going to help. I considered getting the Rocky Balboa soundtrack but decided against it as I prefer the completest element to owning a full soundtrack from a single film. And also, a 30th Anniversary was available of the original soundtrack, remastered. So that pulled me to it also.

I'm sure half of the choice-picks come as no surprise...

1. Gonna Fly Now - Iconic and unforgettable. It really boosts your spirit as well when running. There is this underlying element which, slowly, rises behind the brass that peaks when the strings 'take the lead'. Fantastic.



3. Going the Distance - The song which forces us to cheer. The solemn, slow - almost, marching - beginning before bringing up the tempo into celebratory brass. Again, great to listen to while running a tough stretch.



8. You Take My Heart Away by DeEtta Little and Nelson Pigford - Was there a love-song, with words, to the tune of 'Gonna Fly Now'? Yes indeed - Enjoy!

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone, 2006)

"It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward."

Introduction

Stallone confessed that during the production of Rocky V, he was "negligent". Rocky Balboa is very much a companion piece to Rocky only. There is little mention of the sequels, with no footage whatsoever from Rocky V. It is a real shame that the history of Rocky since Rocky II is ignored. I wouldn't expect a constant reference to all the previous instalment's, but the previous films were made and they are part of a chronological story that should be respected.

Rocky Balboa is the only film that does not begin with a boxing match, indeed it is the only Rocky-film that does not pick up after where the other film left off. This lack of connection to the previous instalment's does jar a little when you have watched the previous four films. Rocky Balboa, no matter how strong it may be, feels much more of an epilogue to the series rather than a closing chapter. The "Story of Rocky" seems to progress very naturally until Rocky V, but Rocky Balboa takes huge liberties in the gap between the previous film in 1990 that they could almost attach Rocky Balboa to the end of Rocky V with the subtitle "15 years later..." and leave it as an over-3-hours cut of the final chapter.

Death and the Adrian

One reason that I refused to watch the sequels for a long time was an assumption on my part that I "knew" when Adrian died. I knew that she would die at some point in the franchise ... but I don't know where I got that idea from because she dies outside the franchise between the two films. This set-up, takes Rocky and Paulie to a very dark place. The film begins with Rocky visiting her grave side on the anniversary of her death. Personally, this magnifies how much of a separate film this is to the previous instalment's. Rather than opening on panning-shots of Philadelphia, it would've been nice to open the film using different shots and images to fill in the gap - a picture of Rocky in the newspaper post-Rocky V, the graduation of his son, the awareness of Adrian's illness, Rocky by her bedside. Think the first 15 minutes of Up and pull it down to five-minutes setting up Rocky's current status. It would simply connect everything together.

Having said that, without casting Talia Shire in the film, her presence is littered throughout. Stallone is a broken man - he doesn't fight, he is estranged from his son and he owns a restaurant ... called "Adrian's". At this point we are introduced to Marie (Geraldine Hughes) - the tomboy from Rocky. The idea that, as Rocky was living his life, the world kept spinning and some people never left the neighbourhood is poignant. Spider Rico, equally, never left the neighbourhood. Crucially, Marie is not a love interest, but her role does ensure that a female sensibility is adhered to. Rocky, when discussing his decisions and the choices he has to make needs someone to talk to now Adrian is gone - and Marie is that person.

Father and Son

Rocky's son is very different. The boy of Rocky V does not seem to be the same as he was. Understandably, people dramatically change in their teenage years and we can accept this, but again it clarifies what a huge divide there is between the previous film and this film. Even the argument's between father and son seem to highlight issues which, by this point, you should be more than aware of: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward."

But the theme of children today is two-fold. On the one hand we see the apathetic and disillusioned Rocky Jr, whilst Mason Dixon and his success seems much more modern and the credibility is what Dixon seeks: the money is not all there is to it. Money was what Tommy Gunn was desperate for - credability didn't matter to him - he fought Rocky in the streets! In addition to this parallel to Rocky V, we also see more agents desperate to use Mason Dixon - and Rocky - as a way to earn huge sums of money. Much like George Washington Duke's role in Rocky V, but without the comeuppance.

Ignoring Most of the Past

Technically, Stallone employs textured shots. There is no 'sheen' to the screen when we see him on the streets of Philadelphia. The sharpness and dry surface complements the rough area Rocky now lives within, but suffice to say, this separates the film further from the previous films.

Contrary to all the flaws I found in the film, I can appreciate the closure we gained. As mentioned, Rocky V did seem to drop the ball - especially with the final fight on the streets. Rocky Balboa manages to give us a huge fight, in the ring, with a finale the wholly represents the message of Rocky. It's not all about winning - it's about challenging yourself. This manages to show an emotional depth that Rocky V lacked, but I think the final two films could've simply been played differently. The themes and ideas in Rocky Balboa are great, but the film simply lacks consistency with the rest of the franchise. You could almost ignore every sequel and just put Rocky and Rocky Balboa as a duo. This, I believe, is a real shame because the sequels do have so much to offer.

Rocky V (John G. Avildsen, 1990)

"Natures smarter than people think"

Introduction

This film was clearly supposed to be the end of the Rocky film series. Stallone was initially keen to continue the story in Russia and continue the dichotomy between Drago and Rocky, but for no clear reason, this idea was scrapped. Instead, the film - like all the films - continues where the previous film left off starting a whole new drama. Rocky has returned from Russia - he is shaking, his memory is fading. As the press ask him questions on his return, a passionate businessman proprositions him in the middle of the junket setting him up for a future fight. Rocky turns it down...

Getting Back To His Roots

It is clear that now Rocky has effectively conquered the world, the next step is to take him back to his roots. He has to lose everything: his health, his money and, towards the last act, he nearly loses his family. Though we have briefly revisited Philadelphia in the previous two films, it is Rocky V whereby he goes back to Philadelphia for the duration. Unlike Rocky and Rocky II, this is not where he wants to be - and crucially not where he wants Adrian to be. These historical facets to Rocky V are only possible because of what we know about. It is fair to say that Rocky V can be watched without any prior knowledge - but the deeper connection to Philadelphia, the passing of Mickey and the poverty that Rocky has worked his way out from ensure that this film is a much more fascinating film, given the past we have seen.

The Birth of a Champion

I think that all the previous films build Rocky up from a point in his life whereby he could've easily sat back and let the world pass him by. There was a history before the first film, whereby Rocky was a street-fighter and trained to be a champion under Mickey, but settled to be a 'bum' collecting money for a "two-bit gangster". The first film sets him up as he is given a chance to reclaim what should be his - and the rest is history. If Rocky V was made today, I wouldn't be suprised if it would be a prequel: Rocky Begins, Rocky Origins or Rocky: The Beginning. The film constantly relates to his past - the training Mickey gave him, his own Son facing the challenges in school and understanding that sometimes, "fighting is neccessary" (despite disliking violence), the training of Tommy Gun and - most importantly - his whole 'birth' in street-fighting.

The Boxing Business

Connecting to the 'roots' of Rocky is additionally his detachment from the boxing 'industry'. Rocky always had Mickey as his agent and trainer. Rocky tells Tommy Gun:

"This is what Mick told me about. About the business, the dirty part of the business. These managers, when they represent these fighters, they promise them the world, then they, they suck' em dry, leave them, leave them in the gutter, broke Tommy"

This is a fascinating development of the franchise. The whole idea of Rocky as a product has been explored before, but the importance of money versus the necessity of money. We know that Rocky had it all and, through greed of his accountant, he lost it all. Rocky trains Tommy Gunn up from his roots, taking him way back to his own beginnings in an incredible scene directly lifted from the first scene in Rocky, whereby Rocky took on Spider-Rico, now Tommy is fighting. It is easy to think that Rocky is desperate to relive his own past glories - and to some extent he is - but by breaking Tommy down to the same place Rocky came from, we can see how what Tommy doesn't have is the same heart. As cliche as that may be, it comes back to the belief in oneself - a respectable, honourable and dignified belief. Only through seeing these relevant connections to his past do we appreciate how, even before he started his training to fight Apollo Creed, Rocky was respected, honourable and dignified. These traits are what made him who he is. 

Upper Class to Working Class

In parrallel to Rocky's story, we also have Stallone's son playing Rocky Jnr. Rather than coping with the change from poverty to wealth, and back to poverty again - Rocky Jnr has moved from wealth to poverty. Through no fault of his own, his entire attitude has to change - he is the new 'posh' boy in an alien school. Rocky tries to encourage him, but it is a long road ahead for Rocky Jnr. His understanding of fighting changes as, initially, he is reluctant to get involved, but he eventually understands that some people will only respect you through your own self-defence. Is this a comment on fighting itself - or the neccessity of this trait within urban poverty. I think this film surely shows how skilled Stallone is in writing a drama whereby the three characters constantly weave in and out of each others storylines, with tensions between all three: Rocky and Rocky Jnr establishing a relationship, the envy Rocky Jnr feels towards Tommy Gunn, Tommy Gunn's respect for Rocky - whilst fully exploiting Rocky's need for a fighter-son. A fascinating trichotomy (I looked it up, it's a word for "man having a three-fold nature").

Incomplete Finale

With so many strong parts of the story, it is a real shame that the end seems to fall a little flat. Rather that finishing in the ring, with Rocky taking on Tommy Gunn ... he fights in the streets of Philly. Everyone chants and cheers around the two, with one-liners thrown around flippantly - "Yo, Tommy! I didn't hear no bell..." - whilst the fight becomes much more physical, as Stallone rugby-tackles Tommy and the two use whatever items they find lying around to hit each other. It's poetic that, at this stage in the franchise what was the final fight, was going to be on the streets marking the territory that Rocky hails from. But it is also not the finale we are expecting to see - the lights, the ropes, the back-to-back punches and strategies employed - and commentated on - as the fights often went to 15-rounds. Where are the huge bombastic displays? I completely understand the reason why - considering how epic the fight in Russia was, it makes complete sense to go as small-scale as possible. In fact, how much smaller-scale could it get? Rocky beating his son up in the bedroom?

In 1990, this very much felt like the end - but I wouldn't be suprised if after multiple viewings of the film, Stallone knew the finale should be in the ring. But it took a long time to make it happen. It seems that Mickey was right: "Natures smarter than people think"

Rocky IV (Sylvester Stallone, 1985)

"...he's going to have to kill me. And to kill me, he's gonna have to have the heart to stand in front of me. And to do that, he's got to be willing to die himself. I don't know if he's ready to do that."

Introduction

I was told prior to watching Rocky IV that the final few minutes are "way ahead of it's time". This is not only a sports film, but it has global issues representing the Cold War and the idea of idealism and arrogance in America. Stallone dipped his toe into controversial territory in Rocky III, whereby he hinted at themes of racism and equality. Attitudes towards poverty and fighting to get out of oppression. But nothing is explicit. Clubber Lang had no affiliations with the Black Panthers or any organisation. He had no clear political ties - for all intents and purposes, Clubber Lang was simply doing it "for himself". I wrote about how the allegiance of Apollo Creed ensured a clear analogy, but ultimately it was not so explicit that it could become controversial. Rocky IV presents us with Drago - he is directly representing Russia and the support of the Government in the final match assures us of the poiltical message we are expected to see. Drago is brought to America to fight amongst the Heavyweight Professional Boxers - and this is important to Russia, as it shows their acceptance in world sports events. But it is clear they are trying to prove a point ...

USA vs Technology

Before discussing the clear themes of the Cold War, it is also worth highlighting the use of technology in the film. The strangest moment, possibly in the entire franchise, is the introduction of Paulie's robot. Inexplicably, Paulie is expecting a present from Rocky and Adrian - hopefully a car - but instead, it is a Robot. Reluctant at first, Paulie comes to depend on it - even changing the voice from masculine to feminine. Technology itself is a theme throughout the film as Rocky trains in a traditional manner - his jogging, push-ups, weight-lifting, etc. Drago trains using specialised equipment that specifically targets his muscles - we learn that he punches with exceptional force through a computer screen.

The idea of depending on technology to enhance performance, with regard to Drago, or to decrease performance (by completing jobs so you don't have to), with regard to Paulie is explicitly shown. But the film ultimately highlights how these forms of technology can only assist so much. The belief-in-oneself and passion to win cannot be generated by technology - and it is this passion and belief that will secure success. When we see a montage between Rocky and Drago training for their own fights - it is Rocky who is using exceptionally dated modes of training (picking up logs, holding up carts, jogging through snow, etc) whilst Drago relies on tehcnology to support him. I guess the outcome at the end of the film explains which is the stronger traning mechanism.

While we discuss the montages, Bill Conti was not hired to create a score for this film and so we do not have a 'Gonna Fly Now' sequence. Instead we have four (!!!) sequences, all very eighties and all very electronic - composed this time by Vince DiCola. I would love an adapted version of this film whereby Conti's themes were integrated, replacing "Hearts on Fire" because this one choice alone is what, for me, forces me to dislike this film. It simply doesn't feel like Rocky without Conti's score. Even the score when Rocky wins the fight at the end starts exactly like Conti's finale of "Going the Distance" before going a completely different direction with the melody. I would like to confirm that Bill Conti was back on board for Rocky V and Rocky Balboa. Thank God.

USA vs Russia

There are so many ideas littered throughout this film, so I shall simply try and go through them one-by-one. An interesting line at the press-conferance is the respect Russia has for Apollo - Russia's team explain how they are very happy to fight Apollo as he is respected so much at home. Clubber Lang mocked Apollo, noting how he was a "has-been" and the conversations between Rocky and Apollo clearly indicate how much Apollo wants to prove something. Apollo seeks respect, but he is blinded by arrogance - this small reveal that Apollo is already respected but still craves more, shows his weakness.

The fight in America between Apollo and Drago is gratutious and verges on complete mockery. James Brown singing "Living in America!", girls in leotards, dancing, whilst Apollo comes down from above, wearing his stars and stripes. You think about Apollo pre-fight against Rocky and multiply that ten-fold. The expectation is Apollo will win, but this set-up clearly shows it won't pan out. America's culture is of success and excess - the show is pure excess. This is a complete contrast to Rocky fighting Drago, whereby Russia are patriotic but there is nothing in comparison to the pre-fight show in Vegas.When Apollo dies, it is very quick before the story moves on - Rocky holding Apollo, cut to Apollo's funeral. A missed opportunity - imagine a sequence as Apollo is rushed out of the ring on a stretcher, gasping for his last breath. Maybe even some final lines. Instead, we have the excessive show and a quick-fight before we watch his funeral.

The idea that they are 'sports stars not soldiers' is ambiguous at this point - like soldiers, Drago has killed Apollo. The Cold War is very much about a war fought behind closed doors, the invisible enemy - the death of Apollo shows a defeat that, though clearly murder, is not counted as such as it was within the ring.

Then we have the final speech from Rocky, following his defeat of Drago in Russia:

"During this fight, I've seen a lot of changing, in the way you feel about me, and in the way I feel about you. In here, there were two guys killing each other, but I guess that's better than twenty million. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!"

The very idea of breaking down a huge conflict across nations through change is a big theme to tackle - Rocky even acknowledging the countless deaths caused by war. The overt political themes and statement at the end, understandably, may be going a little too far for Rocky but it is a progression from the themes in Rocky III. If we see Rocky as an example of fighting your personal demons of success, Rocky II fighting the difficulties and conflicts in a relationship - balancing what each person wants in a relationship whilst respecting each other in equal measure. Rocky III is bigger as the film tackles conflict within American society, Rocky IV is tackling worldwide themes of war and conflict across countries - even the poster imitates the iconic image of the flags at Iwo Jima with the use of the flag, the multiple-levelling of people with a diagonal centre-point.

Humanising the Enemy

But Drago also serves to draw a parrallel to Rocky himself. We only saw Apollo Creed's wife very briefly in Rocky II and Rocky III, but she was never integral to the plot. Clubber Lang had nobody unlike Drago who, like Rocky, has Ludmilla (Bridget Nielsen). This woman supports him and what he stands for. She supports him and, during the press conferance in Russia, you can see how strong her love is for him. Both Rocky and Drago have the support of their country and their spouses - and we are left to consider what Rocky has to defeat him.

The answer? Being human. Belief is what is core. Technology and Patriotism is important, of course, but it is not what makes a winner. Only through Rocky's perseverance does Drago begin to doubt. Drago has no reason to lose - he has everything going for him. But he doesn't have the same belief - Rocky's self-belief ensures he fits the model of 'Idealistic American' and it is this that defeats Drago - Drago thinks Rocky is "iron" and Rocky personally realises that Drago is not a machine (a form of technology). He is human.

Ahead of its Time

I would not neccessarily state that Rocky IV is ahead of its time - global issues and social difficulties are often presented as allegory in cinema. But, it is also not merely Good vs Bad. Rocky represents the individual man fighting against the boss. Rocky represents the human who worries about the technological age the future is presenting them. Rocky represents America and the way it could tackle conflict. Rocky could not go further - he has tackled worldwide issues and he won't go to space. So he has to go back. To Philadelphia. To Mighty Micks. Cue Rocky V.

Rocky III (Sylvester Stallone, 1982)

"See that look in their eyes, Rock? You gotta get that look back, Rock. Eye of the tiger, man"

Introduction

Rocky II was a huge success financially, dictating that Rocky III is quickly put on the cards and put into production. Again, Stallone directs, writes and stars bringing the whole cast together again with a surface-story of 'a new contender fights against Rocky' ... but the subtext is obvious. Stallone and Shire both look shinier and thinner - new models for the latest film. Though this is not Apollo Creed fighting for respect and to uphold an image which garners him financial wealth and success. This time, Rocky is up against Clubber Lang - a man who only holds hatred towards his opponents. This is a man whose aggression and anger defines him - and this is the only way he gets what he wants: through violence. It marks a turning point in the franchise. The previous two films had a strange depiction of boxing in terms of ethnicity: We are watching a white man fight a black man - and the white man wins. I think, from my previous posts, it is abundantly clear that the films are much more complicated than this: Rocky is from poverty, Apollo Creed has already won and has lost his focus because of his financial success. He has lost the 'hunger' to fight as well as Rocky. It is about someone from poverty rising up and 'fighting' his way out. I do not believe race in Rocky and Rocky II is a subtext or theme. Whereas in Rocky III, I believe it is.

Rocky and Racism

Ironically enough, despite the epic failure of Rocky in Rocky II advertising, in Rocky III the opening ten minutes depicts Rocky rising through stardom and earning money through fights and advertising. We see this as we also see Clubber Lang (Mr. T) watch every fight Rocky is in, we see him training harder and stronger and call out Rocky as the champion he is going to fight. We also see Mickey see Clubber Lang fight - and realise how dangerous he truly is. The jacket Rocky buys in Rocky II is now the Oscar-nominated song "Eye of the Tiger" as this sequence progresses - finishing with the recurring theme of the alcoholic Paulie remaining envious of Rocky's success. Some things never change.

The truth is that Clubber Lang is a better fighter - his hatred also pushes him harder and ensures complete focus. He has no distractions and his complete attention is on the prize of becoming World Heavyweight. It is Apollo and Rocky's friendship which clarifies how situations are solved - Apollo is personally insulted and disrespected by Clubber Lang in the ring. The lack of respect for the sport and for the nature of boxing, as a parallel to a destructive and aggressive attitude towards others, is what Apollo despises. Apollo and Clubber Lang have nothing in common - Clubber Lang actively wants to hurt people in the ring and prides himself on the pain he inflicts on other sportsmen. His arrogance in defeating Rocky initially equally highlights that even outside the ring, Clubber Lang continues to be hateful. Apollo and Rocky work together to solve the problem that is Clubber Lang. I think if you needed further evidence for this subtext and parallel you need to look no further than when we visit Apollo's roots in LA. We see Paulie's ignorant attitude to others, we see the hunger in the eyes of the young men desperate to fight their way out of poverty - this hunger is what Clubber Lang has but, more importantly, this hunger is fuelled with anger and hatred.

Death

I always think that when we get to a third film in a franchise, the filmmakers often consider this to be the final film. The neatness of a 'trilogy' must be tempting and so we see constant parallels to the first film in the trilogy and the idea of closure. Rocky dominates the poster, echoing the god-like stature of Michelangelo's 'David' ensuring that this film (despite providing a wealth of strong supporting actors in Mickey, Apollo, Paulie and Duke amongst others) is firmly focused on Rocky's journey. Mickey's death marks the end of Rocky's connection to Philadelphia - the training at Mighty Mick's, the old traditional values potentially representing old prejudices dying out and being replaced by a new ethos and a new capitalist and nationwide perspective through the assistance of Apollo Creed.

The passing of the baton takes place at Mighty Mick's, Creed stating "I thought I mind find you here...". The scene is steeped in shadow and creates a moody, reverential atmosphere. Even the revival of fashion in leather and motorbikes, equally give the film a darker edge with a nostalgic-element harking back to the fifties whereby motorbikes and leather jackets were modelled on icons including James Dean and Marlon Brando.

The Challenges of Life

Like all of the Rocky films, the film is accessible to all and the continuing, important theme of challenging yourself is highlighted in the nature of Rocky's training. We spend a long time watching Apollo getting more and more frustrated with the lack of effort Rocky is applying in preparation of his fight with Clubber Lang. Mickey complains to Rocky as they train in a gym surrounded by fans who kiss him and take pictures with him mid-training. You cannot achieve the success you crave if you are doing it for the wrong reasons - you cannot rest on your laurels and assume that each fight in life can be easily won. You need to constantly challenge yourself. You cannot train and work solely for someone else - you need to do it for yourself. 

The final fight not only thematically closes the film effectively, but also shows stellar writing from Stallone himself. We do not see merely a challenge "whereby Rocky wins", oh no. We see the whole strategy of taking the hits and taking the blows, in order to wear the opponent down. Apollo cannot believe his eyes, but then it is clear that Rocky is chipping away at Clubber Lang.

Like life, it is a long road and you you have to take it slow and steady and keep chipping away. That is what achieves success. Patience, determination and perseverance - harking back to the themes of the first film whereby Rocky stood 15-rounds, not to simply win - but for himself, to prove he could do it.

Rocky II (Sylvester Stallone, 1979)

"Except for my kid bein' born, this is the greatest night in the history of my life."

Introduction

I complained about Rocky, and how (as a boxing-movie) it only had two fights in it. Rocky II has two fights in it ... but the first fight is the one we've already seen at the end of Rocky! Indeed, Rocky II is more an example of the difficulties of setting up a family, topped off with a fight. I did not initially plan on writing about every film in the series - and I was worried that the second film would be such a dismal sequel that there would be very little to discuss any way. I am happy to say that, so far, there is something interesting to write about and, indeed, some significant issues the sequel raises.

The Follow-Up to an Oscar Winner

Very few Oscar Best Picture winners spawn sequels - The Godfather Part II is the only one that comes to mind when I scan through the list of winners. Rocky is the other. And indeed, it was worth it, becoming the 3rd highest grossing film of '79 behind Kramer VS Kramer and Moonraker. In fact, it was the highest grossing sequel until The Empire Strikes Back. It received generally positive reviews and it is worth noting at this point that Stallone not only wrote the script but additionally directed the film.

Indeed the directing is top-rate. Unlike Avildsen, Stallone became more expressive in his use of camera and editing. The editing in the final fight slows to show the real impact of each punch whilst the decision for the film to follow directly after the fight in Rocky ensured that the film didn't leave people in the dark about the end of the previous film - so you know, Rocky lost the fight at the end of the film. Crucially, Rocky ends as Creed tells him "there ain't gonna be a rematch" and Rocky replying that he "doesn't want one". This is directly changed at the start as Creed asks Rocky for a rematch "Any time, any where!" - Rocky is confused, Creed is displaying an image of himself, but Rocky sticks to his guns and decides to retire from boxing. This is fascinating - despite the advertising campaign clearly depicting Rocky back in the ring and stepping up to re-fight Creed, the entire film is about how Rocky tries not to do this. In fact, a whole plot is based on the fact that Rocky has damaged his eye and "could go blind" if he takes another beating. A slight structural issue resides when Adrian tells him to "win"; suddenly this blindness threat is no more ... and the state of Rocky at the end of the final fight really looks like he will have difficulty with his sight in the future. I've yet to see Rocky III so who knows if this will be addressed in that film.

Challenges of Married Life

The film attempts to explore multiple themes, but fails to clearly stick to one. In the first instance we observe Rocky going right back to his roots and trying to earn honest money. He works at the meat-factory (in an interesting switch of roles with his Adrian's brother Paulie) and refuses to go back to his criminal job with Gazzo. The confusion I feel is the progression of the story - Rocky spends his money on cars, clothes, watches and buying a new house but then has to sell his car because he cannot hold down a job. It is almost as if we are supposed to pity him, rather than support him whole-heartily. Maybe it is attempting to highlight short-term success - and how he should've though about the future, rather than spending the money so quick. Indeed, poor Adrian (Talia Shire) has to go back to work in the pet shop.

Our lack of support continue as Adrian's health is even affected by Rocky's apparent selfishness. I have a feeling that it is a simple case of how both Adrian and Rocky's initial actions following his success were short-term and not thought-through. The consequences were inevitable. The depiction of the working-man and the struggles seem to be at odds with themes laid out in the first film. Especially as their relationship is so beautiful - subtle glances that show such a tender relationship.

Image and Identity

One single scene raises an acute awareness of image. Apollo Creed has had his image destroyed after the fight in the first film and his marketing agent tells him that, if he insults Rocky in the press, then he will appear as the "bad guy", implying that clearly he is not. There is a business man in Creed - the fight may have physically shown a weakness, but his image and reputation as a sports star is affected and that does affect business. He was aware of this when he retracted his comment about how "there ain't gonna be a rematch", when his image dictates that there is.

Rocky on the other hand does not concern himself with image - he is honest. So much so, that he will reveal his to-do list at a press-conference. His image represents who he is and, through that, he gains support. The loyalty Mickey has for him, is because of how honest Rocky is. He is not trying to just be the 'tough guy' - the fight means more to him than that. Rocky is a born fighter and it is what he is destined to do. An interesting scene as Rocky speaks to Adrian, he tells her: "I never asked you to stop being a woman, don't ask me to stop being a man". This is who he is and as a Father, he cannot lie to his Son. He is boxer who is a southpaw from Philly - not a cleaner at Mighty Mickey's.

The support of his friends and - in the training against the backdrop of Philadelphia - the children of America, Rocky wins. True support and love from his family and friends. Apollo has a media-created identity and a fanbase that writes letters to tell him how one negligible-win is simply 'not good enough'.

Faith and Finish

Rocky II also clarifies Rocky as a Catholic. I guess his Italian roots are highlighted from the outset, but the fact that Rocky wears a crucifix throughout the film - often dangling into the centre of the frame - indicates a regular nod to God himself (even recalling the young Italian Father Karras in The Exorcist)- . Rocky asks for a blessing from his priest prior to the match and he thanks God following the match. Maybe there is a little more meaning in the idea about guilt - the guilt Rocky feels for letting Adrian down, and not supporting her better when she was pregnant may be the driving force behind his success. The idea that the guilt combined with love is a balance that ensures you live a good, Catholic, life? Maybe we are all attaining to reach the higher realms and 'beat' life, making it to Heaven? People can go through life living a lie (working in a meat-factory) or even 'doing our part' by going to Mass every week (Rocky working at the gym) but what we need to do is actually get in the ring and challenge our life, and be honest about our faith. We should face the challenge of faith and actually attempt to be Christ-like. Maybe.

I can appreciate the frustration people have in the angle it approached the story but I still rate Rocky II as a good follow-up. The Rocky franchise seems to challenge expectations rather than simply deliver the same story again - or merely 'up-the-ante' with multiple fights. It makes the film much more profound and crucially, the final fight is much more engaging and involving. In fact, I didn't know the outcome of the final fight and I was cheering him on throughout. And isn't that the point?

Rocky (John G. Avildsen, 1976)

"Stay in school and use your brain. Be a doctor, be a lawyer, carry a leather briefcase. Forget about sports as a profession. Sports make ya grunt and smell. See, be a thinker, not a stinker."

Introduction

I often read the ideas titled 'How to make your blog better'. They always say "make sure you update on a regular basis", etc. I think of Rachel at Rachels Reel Reviews and her daily focus points, then there is A Life in Equinox with, amongst other regular features, he has 'The Monday Corner' every Monday. I should have something like that put in place but I know I would get behind. One thing I enjoy writing is Art Gallery reviews - but they take up a lot of time and, though they bring up great parallels with cinema, I think the fact that it is modern art, people are probably put off from the outset. I have recently purchased the Rocky Blu-Ray box set. This first film is truly brilliant - and even watching it in the Film Club at my school, many boys thoroughly enjoyed it. But it is more, much more, than a boxing film ...