Netflix Reveals the Artist Behind the Action-Hero Image
Netflix’s trailer for the upcoming documentary “Sly” opens with a profound question: “What is healthier, to live under the illusion and still have a glimmer of hope that you could have been great, or blow it and you realize you’re a failure?”
This question sets the stage for a film that promises to be a powerful and introspective journey through Stallone’s life, one that peels back the layers of success and reveals the hardships and struggles he faced on his path to stardom.
Renowned for his iconic portrayals of characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone’s journey from underdog to legend is set to be unveiled in the upcoming Netflix documentary, “Sly.” The film, directed by Thom Zimny, delves into the life and career of this cinematic heavyweight, offering audiences an intimate look at the man behind the myth.
The documentary, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this fall, will hit Netflix screens worldwide on November 3, 2023.
Directed by Thom Zimny, a noted film director and editor celebrated for his work in music videos and concert films, “Sly” marks Zimny’s deep-dive into the life of a man he’s admired since his teens.
The Emotional Journey of Revisiting Stallone’s Career
“Sly” is a tour de force through the life of Sylvester Stallone, a man who brought legendary characters to life on screen, found his voice as a screenwriter, and navigated numerous hardships and challenges on his path to creative fulfillment. As the documentary reveals, Stallone’s career has been far from a straightforward ascent to fame. It was an arduous journey characterized by determination and a refusal to accept defeat.
The man himself, Sylvester Stallone, was candid during a recent interview at the Toronto International Film Festival. The emotional roller coaster of watching one’s life unfold on the big screen was evident as Stallone expressed his gratitude to the director, saying “I love you,” as he warmly embraced Zimny. The conversation touched upon their experience creating “Sly” and delved into the vulnerability of seeing one’s life story play out in front of an audience.
Stallone, reflecting on the process, shared, “It’s very emotional. You don’t recall saying things that you said, and when you see it played back in front of you, you don’t know how people will interpret it.” Zimny, known for his knack for capturing the unspoken, commented, “I think Tom is brilliant at capturing things that I didn’t want to reveal. But he just got them, and I’m very happy that this is on record forever because it’s really the way I am and the way I live.”
Collaboration Built on Trust and Understanding
Thom Zimny highlighted the importance of trust and listening in his work with iconic figures like Stallone. He remarked, “I had this moment where we had a bit of a dance, a conversation, and I think it stems from hearing each other. I think we were lucky enough to stumble into trust.”
Sylvester Stallone also praised Zimny’s unique interviewing style, which helped him open up in front of the camera. “He has a very unique way of getting you out of your comfort zone. You just start talking out of angst, and before you know it, you can’t shut your mouth. It’s coming at you, and you forget that you’re being recorded forever,” said Stallone.
Rediscovering the Artist Behind the Icon
Zimny expressed his intent to consistently anchor the documentary in Stallone’s artistic journey. He emphasized the need to present the man behind the iconic image, stating, “I wanted to make sure that we constantly grounded ourselves to the artist, to this man that I spent time in the room with and heard these stories.”
Stallone shared his hopes for the documentary, expressing his desire to inspire people and offer a fresh perspective on his artistic side. The conversation touched upon specific films in his career, from “Nighthawks” to “Demolition Man,” and explored his admiration for ensemble work and his current project, “Tulsa King,” now streaming on Netflix.
Whether you’re a massive Stallone fan, a Rockhead, or are simply curious about the journey of a cinematic icon, this docu is bound to be a compelling watch, and you can catch it on Netflix in just a few weeks – right in time to get into the Thanksgiving mood.
Where to Watch the “Sly” Documentary
Netflix will exclusively stream “Sly” worldwide starting on November 3, 2023, meaning that for the time being at least, there is no other way to see the documentary. While Netflix does not offer free trials, they do offer several different plans as low as $6.99 USD per month and you can change or cancel your streaming plan at any time.
