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SCMP Reporter

Sylvester Stallone: Triumph of the will

It is  hardly surprising that Sylvester 'Sly' Stallone is one of George W. Bush's favourite actors. After all, Stallone has made many blockbusters -  from Rocky V to the second and third First Blood movies - that   unashamedly support  the 'axis of evil'  approach: either you are with us or  you're evil.

Say his name,  and people immediately imagine the epitome of machismo and toughness.

But it  would be unfair to write him off as  mere muscle.

During the early days of his career, he was once billed as  the next Marlon Brando -  a huge compliment   for any actor.

He is also a filmmaker,  writing the script for Rocky in three days.  The film - in addition to earning US$225 million worldwide - brought him the  much sought-after Oscars (Best Film and Best Director) that Martin Scorsese  is still  dreaming of.

Stallone is at his best when his films are one-dimensional,  without moral dilemmas or grey areas, and where everything is either right or wrong.

The second and third Rambo movies  are about  a warrior fighting against heartless communists.  Violence and bloodshed  are justified because  the world consists of only two types of people: the heroes, and the villains who are  soulless and heartless.

It is through these movies that Stallone  became an action screen icon. His wooden facial expressions and slurred speech - the result of paralysis in the left side of his face due to birth complications - are hallmarks of a man who  will go through great pain to reach new heights.

Every Rocky movie follows the formula of the self-made boxer training himself up to fight against a stronger opponent, either for personal or national glory.

You can't help being touched by the character's superhuman will and   endless quest for excellence.

While most  of fellow tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger's  movies focus on spectacular stunts and extravagant special effects, Stallone always brings a human touch to his best action films.

Take Cliffhanger, his comeback film  of the 1990s.  Stallone plays a climber who  loses confidence  after an accident that leads to the death of his friend's girlfriend. He overcomes his inner demons, battles against a gang of armed thieves on the snowy mountains and reconciles with his friend. The film  shows the triumph of human will,  and how redemption  is gained by facing pain and strength.

At 60, the actor is   hoping to   become a household name again with  his new Rocky movie, Rocky Balboa, and another chapter of the  Rambo adventures  which is scheduled to be released next year.

It seems that Sly still has a lot to bring to the big screen.



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