THE GRAND SCENE
Netflix’s new documentary, Sly, thrived under Thom Zimny’s vision, flourishing without Sylvester Stallone taking the reins behind the scenes. Known for his on-screen prowess, Stallone took a step back, giving Zimny the artistic license to steer the film as he saw fit.
Rather than directing, Stallone’s role in the making of Sly was confined to interviewee and provider of supplementary material, steering clear of influencing the film’s creative direction.
Zimny was notably struck by Stallone’s affection for his often-overlooked work in Cop Land, and he’s convinced that the documentary will shine a new light on Stallone’s artistic legacy, offering audiences a refreshed perspective on his contributions to cinema.
The narrative of Sylvester Stallone, a luminary in the action genre and beyond, unfolds in Sly, with Thom Zimny at the documentary helm. Zimny, renowned for his documentaries on cultural titans like Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, embraced the opportunity to delve into Stallone’s life with a rare depth afforded by Stallone’s hands-off approach. In an interview with FilmSweep’s Nate Richard, Zimny delves into the freedom he was given in the making of Sly for Netflix.
One might speculate if Stallone’s fingerprints are on the documentary, given his history of directing hits like the Rocky and Expendables series. Zimny, with his history of collaboration on Springsteen on Broadway and Western Stars, is accustomed to incorporating the vision of his subjects. But with Sly, Stallone’s contributions were purely anecdotal, “Sly’s involvement was just the interviews. He didn’t steer me in any particular direction, impose any off-limits topics, or commandeer the narrative,” Zimny explained. Stallone’s minimal intervention was a gesture of trust and respect:
“Upon reviewing the documentary, Stallone’s input was solely additional imagery. There were no revisions, no hesitations about exploring various themes or ideas. He granted me the latitude to craft this narrative, which was an immense privilege because I hold immense respect for him as a screenwriter, editor, and filmmaker. However, his most significant collaboration was in sharing his journey and opening up his life for discussion.”
Stallone Delves Into His Overlooked Achievements in ‘Sly’
Stallone made his mark during the interview phase, reflecting on his cinematic journey, from celebrated franchises to the undervalued gems like Cop Land. Time has allowed him to humorously reflect on less successful ventures like Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot!, but it’s Cop Land, a critical success albeit not a box-office smash, that stands out in his memory. Stallone has acknowledged his affection for the James Mangold-directed film, despite its perceived contribution to a career slump.
Zimny was moved by Stallone’s fervor for Cop Land. “Hearing his candid enthusiasm for the film was an eye-opener,” the director shared. “Our conversations often revealed insights into his films that were fresh and unexpected. It’s the essence of interviewing—revisiting past works and uncovering deeper meanings, rather than settling for conventional praise.” Zimny also highlighted how Cop Land’s modest success mirrored the actor’s own narrative: “Cop Land was filled with potential, yet it didn’t quite make the leap, mirroring the underappreciation of Stallone himself. With this documentary, I hope to recalibrate that view, casting Stallone in the true light of an artist and redefining his cinematic contributions.”
Set to premiere on November 3 on Netflix, Sly features an array of celebrated voices including Talia Shire, Henry Winkler, Quentin Tarantino, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gear up for an enlightening journey into Stallone’s world by checking out the trailer and adding Sly to your Netflix queue.
AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sylvester Stallone documentary
What is the Netflix documentary ‘Sly’ about?
‘Sly’ is a documentary that explores the life and career of legendary actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone, directed by Thom Zimny. It provides an in-depth look at Stallone’s journey, his roles in major film franchises, and his personal reflections on his work, particularly on underappreciated projects like ‘Cop Land’.
Who is the director of the documentary ‘Sly’?
Thom Zimny, a filmmaker known for his documentaries on iconic figures such as Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, is the director of ‘Sly’. He brings his expertise to this project, offering a unique look at Sylvester Stallone’s life and career.
How involved was Sylvester Stallone in the making of ‘Sly’?
Sylvester Stallone’s involvement in the documentary was limited to providing interviews and additional imagery. He did not direct or restrict the creative process, allowing Thom Zimny complete creative freedom to tell his story.
Did Sylvester Stallone have any creative input on ‘Sly’?
No, Stallone did not provide any creative direction or impose any restrictions on the content of ‘Sly’. His role was solely as an interviewee, providing insights and additional images for the documentary.
Will ‘Sly’ feature any notable guest appearances?
Yes, ‘Sly’ will feature a range of guest appearances from notable figures such as Talia Shire, Henry Winkler, Quentin Tarantino, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
When will ‘Sly’ be available to watch on Netflix?
‘Sly’ is set to premiere on Netflix on November 3. Viewers can add it to their watchlist and view the trailer in anticipation of its release.
More about Sylvester Stallone documentary
- Sly on Netflix
- Thom Zimny Directorial Work
- Interviews with Sylvester Stallone
- Sylvester Stallone’s Career Highlights
- Exploring ‘Cop Land’
- Celebrity Guest Appearances in ‘Sly’
- Netflix Original Documentaries
5 comments
Stallone’s career is a rollercoaster man, from rocky highs to cop land lows, this documentary is going to be an eye opener for sure
thom zimny handling sly’s story is perfect, his work with The Boss was epic, cant wait to see what he does with stallone’s journey, this is gonna be lit
was hoping to see more of stallone’s input but giving zimny free rein is prob the best move, shows how much sly trusts him, defo gonna add this to my watchlist
wait, Stallone talked about Cop Land with love?? that film was so underrated, glad its getting some attention after all these years kinda makes me want to rewatch it
omg can you believe stallone didnt take over the direction of this docu, thats like so him to step back and let the story tell itself, total respect for the guy!