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‘I Play Rocky’ director Peter Farrelly says TIFF premiere brought another high
Peter Farrelly says the warm Toronto International Film Festival reception for “I Play Rocky,” a drama about the making of “Rocky,” ranks among his best movie-going experiences in the city.
TORONTO — “I Play Rocky” received a rousing standing ovation at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere Saturday night, as audiences embraced the film about the making of “Rocky.”
Director Peter Farrelly said he was on a high after the screening. He said his two best film-watching experiences have both taken place in Toronto: the 2018 TIFF screening of “Green Book,” which went on to win the Academy Award for best picture after taking the festival’s top People’s Choice Award, and now the debut of “I Play Rocky.” The new film is drawing early Oscar buzz.
Anthony Ippolito, a relative newcomer, stars as a young Sylvester Stallone struggling to find acting roles. Encouraged by his then-girlfriend Sasha, played by AnnaSophia Robb, Stallone turns to screenwriting to create a role for himself.
After his “Rocky” screenplay impresses two Hollywood producers, Stallone refuses to back down until they agree to let the then-unknown actor play Rocky Balboa. Ippolito, 27, has received critical praise for his portrayal of Stallone’s distinctive voice and mannerisms. He said the response was overwhelming after the extensive preparation he put into the role.
“Rocky” made Stallone a star and was the highest-grossing film of 1976. It received 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including best picture, before growing into a franchise with several sequels and spinoffs. It is widely regarded as one of cinema’s great films.
Farrelly, 69, said making a film connected to a beloved original can be risky, but Peter Gamble’s screenplay gave him confidence to take on the project. He said the new film honours rather than exploits “Rocky,” and that knowing what Stallone experienced makes the original more meaningful.
Toronto native Stephan James plays Carl Weathers, the athlete-turned-actor who co-starred opposite Stallone as world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, Balboa’s opponent. James said he was thrilled to screen a film at his hometown festival and felt humbled and honoured by the audience reaction.
“I Play Rocky” is scheduled to open in Canadian theatres Nov. 13.