Stallone
is in Tokyo this week to promote the latest, and last, chapter of the
Rocky saga, "Rocky III," which in its first four days
following release grossed more than $16 million, the most successful
film opening of all time.
The two movies are similar in that both main characters battle great
odds. Stallone said the character of Rocky Balboa was born in Stallone's
belief that the act of working toward high goals is just as important as
achieving those goals.
"I take my dreams and fears and put them into the character,"
Stallone said. "Rocky wanted not to be a great champion, but just
to have dignity. People want to have dignity and honor and at least try
to get their dream in life."
Rocky began his quest for boxing supremacy in the first Rocky classic,
released in 1976. A $40-per-night club boxer, he gets a
once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo
Creed (Carl Weathers).
In the title match, though knocking down Creed twice, Rocky loses by
decision.
Rocky gets married and finally strips the crown from Creed in the first
sequel, "Rocky II," released in 1979.
In "Rocky III," Balboa decides to end his career, believing he
has nothing left to offer boxing. But enter Clubber Lang (Mr. T), a
solid bruiser with a Muhammad Ali personality.
Clubber
demands a title shot against Rocky, and Balboa rises to the challenge,
preparing for the toughest opponent he's faced yet.
Aided by the now-retired Creed, Rocky molds himself into championship
form for the ultimate test, and the fight is on.
Stallone believes each Rocky film has successfully brought the
"American Dream" to life on screen. The question now is will
there be a Rocky IV?
After hinting at the possibility in the June 14 Time article, Stallone
said Rocky is hanging up his gloves for good.
"After 'Rocky III' came out, I was feeling enthusiastic and felt
perhaps there could be a Rocky IV or V," he said. "But quite
honestly, I feel this is the end, because there's really nothing more I
can put of myself in there without making the character like a
cartoon."
With three title fights on screen, many are wondering what Stallone has
in mind for the boxing ring.
"Once I was offered $1 million to box Muhammad Ali for three
rounds," Stallone said. "But I thought I would be hit so hard
I'd look like a satellite."
Stallone said he had wanted to fight one or two pro boxers before
filming "Rocky III," but United Artists and its insurers would
not permit the fights.
He did have the chance once when he auditioned heavyweight slugger
Earnie Shavers for a possible Rocky opponent's role. The aging Shavers,
who nearly KO'd Holmes before falling to the champ in the 11th round of
their 1979 title bout, nearly did in Stallone during the audition.
"He (Shavers) hit me on the arm so hard that my elbow knocked the
wind out of me," Stallone said in Time magazine. "I mach-owed
it all the way to the men's room before I threw up. The man practically
beat me to death."
The much publicized fight between heavyweight boxer Larry Holmes and
Gerry Cooney gave a touch of realism to "Rocky III," Stallone
said.
Cooney, the contender, lost to reigning titleholder Holmes in the 13th
round of their Las Vegas tilt. But Stallone, who has always pulled for
the underdog, still likes the comparison.
"I like the comparison, that anyone who has a dream and is an
underdog, feels that he is a real life Rocky. It's becoming part of the
American jargon to say, 'He's like Rocky!'" Stallone said.
"Young people of today have to believe that if you work hard, you
can win.
"In Rocky, there are no spaceships, no monsters, it just
deals with human emotion. Young people today are afraid, they want
something they can identify with," Stallone said.
Will
the shadow of Rocky follow Stallone through the remaining days of his
acting career? Stallone says he tries to view it
"realistically."
"It's too late for me to change my image — I will always do other
films, but when I die, (people) will say, 'Rocky hit the canvas for the
last time.'
"I believe I will always be remembered for Rocky. It's like a
tattoo."
Stallone
is in Tokyo this week to promote the latest, and last, chapter of the
Rocky saga, "Rocky III," which in its first four days
following release grossed more than $16 million, the most successful
film opening of all time.
Clubber
demands a title shot against Rocky, and Balboa rises to the challenge,
preparing for the toughest opponent he's faced yet.
Will
the shadow of Rocky follow Stallone through the remaining days of his
acting career? Stallone says he tries to view it
"realistically."