SYLVESTER STALLONE | In Conversation With... | TIFF 2023

Slyvester Stallone at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival for his In Conversation with... discussion with Cameron Bailey.
The subject of the highly anticipated Netflix original documentary Sly, Sylvester Stallone is a towering figure in cinema history. As a writer, director, actor, and producer, Stallone’s journey has mirrored the inspirational trajectory of his cinematic creations. His screenplay for Rocky (1976) and his raw portrayal of the titular underdog propelled him to superstardom and Academy Award nominations for acting and writing. The film went on to inspire one of the most successful and enduring movie franchises of all time, with five sequels and the Creed spinoffs.
Stallone introduced the world to Vietnam veteran John Rambo in First Blood (1982). The sequel Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) solidified the character as an iconic action hero and spawned multiple follow-ups and video games. As a director, Stallone captured the spirit of the original Rocky films and brought further depth to his title character in Rocky Balboa (2006). He delivered the knock-out blockbuster The Expendables (2010), directing the most impressive cast of action stars ever assembled. Alongside these classics are standout roles in Demolition Man (1993), Cliffhanger (1993), Cop Land (1997), and as Dwight Manfredi in the hit television show Tulsa King (2022) that together showcase his range and charisma. Stallone joins us to consider his prolific career, his immense contributions to the action genre, and his enduring legacy behind and in front of the camera.
The 48th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 7 to 17, 2023. For more, visit tiff.net.
For more about the Toronto International Film Festival and our year-round programming TIFF Lightbox, visit tiff.net.
Subscribe to watch more TIFF Originals. New videos every Friday. / tiff

[@PaperPlateClorox]

Omg, he’s so beautiful and powerful and iconic and omg what a man.

[@lisahertel2415]

He’s amazing. I’m glad these interviews are available. I hope his documentary is here too. I don’t have Netflix

[@dannycalifornia4983]

One of the greatest action stars of all time. There will never be another Sly.

[@hypnocilicdreams]

"Never give up, never give in, never give out. Because you never know what's around the next corner." Words to live by. Thanks Sly.

[@plasticity1000]

Yea you reach for others to keep you going. You fail. Stand alone or else you fail. Latch strongly onto him will see you fail. You are a weak dude ultimately.

[@1165mac]

Loved Stallone in Copland, a highly underrated performance.

[@TheSunsRay]

I was like , it's time to be a phat Freddy after the movie. He was influential 😊

[@mj-kawai]

He was absolutely amazing!👏

[@icc2010]

"it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward"

[@jokerfleckcast3196]

This man has given cinema some of its greatest art. Rocky, First Blood. Writer, director and actor, all from nothing.

[@Hassan87.]

Yet he has not been recognised by the American Film Institute.

[@user-uv9yu6pf8s]

Jesus Kristus hei there good mood sunnday slye hei too hear you!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😅😅

[@Michael-pu4pd]

I know Sly regrets doing "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" but it's one of my favourite Stallone movies along with "Demolition Man". Actually 90's Stallone movies are my favourite!

[@jaionebengoetxea5580]

Sly is so inspirational!

[@cameron1975williams]

Sly should've gotten an Oscar nom for First Blood. He does an incredible job.

[@tonymontana4284]

Oscars are meaningless.

[@voido68]

No lol😂

[@marksmith6890]

Creed also

[@darkkrenaissance42]

First Blood was a masterpiece of writing and acting

[@lexkanyima2195]

Not just that, for F.I.S.T., Escape to Victory and Cop Land.

[@onrecord79]

What a great guy. So humble and genuine.

[@dacechasinghawk3910]

He's lived long enough to where he is getting the respect he should have got decades ago as a writer/director.

[@LK-bz9sk]

Agree 100 percent

[@Gretny]

(F.A.C.T.)

[@AnonymousEponymousPodcast]

Sly is a national and worldwide treasure. Rocky is the greatest movie ever made. Much admiration and eternal respect for Mr. Stallone.

[@hamala7437]

E TRUE HEALER BY WORDS !! hed uplifted all de audiences and ppl in the comments section here !!!

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

As I get older, and he gets older, I've gradually come to appreciate him a lot, an this interview cements it.

[@scottprice5978]

Sly is such a legend,Rocky was a great story,First Blood the ending scene with Rambo having a breakdown was so moving and easily one of the greatest acting scenes Sly has ever done

[@19ashe86]

The older he gets the more charming he gets ❤ I adore him

[@olafpieters]

Larger than live and humble at the same time. I'll respect this man forever.

[@leftthebuildingritz2065]

This man has survived and battled through many decades and is still with us today. What a legend 💯

[@spdrmn361]

The gentleman conducting the interview was great, asking well thought out questions and kept Sly engaged the entire time. I attended the ‘An Experience With’ event with Sly in LA Dec ‘22 and that interviewer was absolutely sub par and it showed that Mr Stallone thought it too.

[@StarChildStClairMusic]

Sylvester Stallone is such an inspiration, it's incredible. I will forever love Rocky. "Yo, Adrian! I did it!"🥊

[@Johnny2Feathers]

My favorite is at the end of Rocky when he finally meets Adrian in the ring he says “where’s your hat ?” 🤣🤣🤣. So perfect

[@primitifsound]

Sly is of one of a kind! Such an inspiration for us all.

[@zimecka72]

Loved this interview! He is so candid and down to earth. I only wish they would show the clips they were talking about.

[@gracehinds6283]

Excellent program. SLY is the BEST!

[@judelynpeterson9951]

In the end scene of First Blood, was so stunningly moving, as to how my husband may have felt when he came home from Vietnam. He never told me about his feelings about what he experienced in that war, he saw a lot I’m sure as he was a Crew Chief/ door gunner.1970-71. Thank you, Sylvester, for explaining it like you did, to me it really hit home, as that was during the draft years. I’m sure my husband Mike, felt the same way.

[@carlfreer8600]

He’s a class act. One of few in LaLa land

[@georgekouremenos596]

Sly Stallone, i enjoyed that conversation. He thinks he is simple minded, but clearly he is really sharp. A hero to everyday people, a real Rock and Rambo.

[@janrovelli249]

Sly deserves an ALL TOME EXCELLENCE CAREER ACHIEVEMENT award d…his is a populist geniu.

[@Gretny]

''He is so real and deserves all the success he has'' ..

[@camilleholmes102]

We love you Sylvester Stallone. You are an amazing actor, director, artist, and inspiration to us through exercising. You kept on moving forward

[@happyaslarry5839]

Copland was Oscar level

[@WarriorEsoteric]

Rocky is one of the greatest films ever made, hands down

[@Johnny2Feathers]

💯

[@roquefortfiles]

Couldn't agree more.

[@AngeloR674]

Sly is the best in person!.. I was a film extra for rocky 6 in las vegas!.sly is the best!

[@apex11177]

I was there too and he invited me to have lunch in his trailer. He said I was the best extra on the entire set. I guess that's the difference between seeing him in person and knowing him personally.

[@joebreen8818]

I was an extra in Rocky Balboa as well

[@markberman6708]

One of my favorite guys, First Blood is an epic movie. Need to watch Tulsa King, just seen shorts and looks awesome.

[@dirkboon3296]

Rhinestone.. singing with Dolly was awesome!

[@TheSunsRay]

I recorded that off TV and replayed it as a normal thing.

[@isakdizdarevic457]

We need a remaster/a couple of extra scenes when Rocky 1 turns 50 in a couple of years!

[@bluewave7120]

He is so right..in his description of cinema 🎥 And what this passion does to help shape our lives

[@Operator8009]

He is a legend. One of the last true Hollywood icons.

[@timjohnson2186]

I love sly

[@MikeyPSan]

Great interviewer, asked some great questions!

[@DeborahVallier-vx4il]

I love Stallone he’s been an inspiration to me ever since I first watched Rocky over 40 years ago! He is a kind and humble man and I am so happy for all his success professionally and personally ❤️

[@kathiewool4292]

I will never forget seeing an interview with him after rocky and was absolutely stunned at how smart this guy is.

[@mancman-bu4kz]

As a kid i was always under estimated bullied at school, nobody thought id amount to much etc I LOVED THE ROCKY MOVIES, huge impact on my life the whole underdog story, i identified growing up so much with them movies, even watch them to this day, id love be able meet this guy one day and tell him how grateful i was growing up with these movies, how they helped me too. Probs never happen but there we go lol

[@jameshickey1294]

Yep..totally agree with your comment - same here - room covered in rocky posters an there was alot of bully's back then - 🤝 respect mancman. Uk.ere

[@doloresbowen5460]

Reading your comments. Beautiful. His girls read social media. At the very least I bet they will show Dad your comments. He’s real people!

[@winterrr-je4lj]

Tulsa King is so good! He is suh a great storyteller :)

[@tsefcik]

Would love to see these old interview clips that are getting such reactions from him lol.

[@peacock74]

Me too!!

[@seelois]

They are all over KZbin

[@hectorbartlett567]

Sly can do no wrong by me ... A Man's Man, Living Legend and up there on my Mount Rushmore, of favorite Actors!

[@claudedupras2492]

Sylvester is the guy that saves people. Thank you .

[@andrewfetterley1933]

He is and has been a game changer in the movie business!

[@TheSunsRay]

Samaritan is underrated and deserves a deep exploration of character study essays.

[@TheSunsRay]

The Good and Bad in each character, the Samaritan and Nemesis, Animal Totem Reptilian, the caring required too do the right things.

[@chrispalmer3330]

Really well spoken and thoughtful. Inspiring and crazy hard working. Never passed and English class, wow and such a emotional and powerful writer. Very impressive.

[@simonnomis5302]

Stallone is great....an actor ,director who can give great emotional moments....Best movie except his ROCKY SAGA and RAMBO FIRST BLOOD is COPLAND.....what a tallented man...

[@arkane5260]

What an awesome interview!!

[@rakeiuekahakingi6895]

Great interview with a film legend.

[@brutusalwaysminded]

Ephemeris, Sly. 🌝 Fun interview. Thx!

[@jonmacist]

I am one of his biggest fans and he is in my top 5 favorite actors list, amazing body of work and still going strong just look at Telsa King he still has it.

[@BreckThePanther]

Dude is 77, Healthy physical lifestyle makes you age better 100%

[@adamaa9144]

He is such a legend. His girls must be so so proud.

[@doloresbowen5460]

They better… His wife seems to be a wonderful partner.

[@johnnyeco280]

What a man.

[@IndustryPets]

Thank you KZbin algorithm for suggesting this. Thank you Tiff for having this. 🎉

[@aa19nn]

Sly is so authentic and inspiring.

[@berdush882]

After that documentary I really started to understand his mindset, wish I could meet him someday

[@jameshickey1294]

Sly is one of the best-first blood didn't get the credit it deserved-grest story an he have us another character we could all relate to -then rambo took off!- my room was covered in rocky posters growing up- sly is a legend an so glad tiff done this -tulas king

[@christianneumann5056]

Thanks for uploading the full discussion!

[@Rob-sk1im]

Nighthawks, was stellar.

[@redsabreanakin]

Its really one of my favorite stallone movies. Hes actually a very good actor in it before he became a super-hero in all his movies. I watch it all the time

[@TheBaritoneCrooner]

AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL INTERVIEW!!! And I’m with Sly. Out of all of the rocky films, Rocky and Rocky Balboa are the best of them all.

[@tgriffin3059]

Please...Sly doesn't have any opinion. He's the critics' bitch. They liked the first Rocky, so naturally he claims to like it, too. And Rocky Balboa was made FOR the critics...he designed it especially to get a little iota of respect from them, and they enjoyed seeing him grovel so much that they said some nice things about the movie...so naturally, he claims to like that one, too.....Stallone is a broken man. I think he's the saddest sight I've ever seen, because of how impressive he ONCE was...

[@Johnny2Feathers]

Rocky and Rocky II are the best.

[@lisahertel2415]

Totally agree regarding not being given an opportunity. They are rare to nonexistent as you get older

[@charlychips]

Thanks so much. Love Stallone totally

[@2wheelnerd10]

Great Interview. Love it!

[@jordanandonov3021]

Thank you so much for posting 🎬

[@SHANETREACY]

Rocky....Marciano !

[@billwilder1340]

Such an inspiration!! Thank you sly

[@stewartfooter3580]

When sly speaks people listen,you can hear a pin drop

[@moismailx]

Amazing

[@gyanprakashraj4062]

BOSS OF BOSSES..

[@surfrider1973]

also he wrote the book PARADISE ALLEY which is a very good book.

[@rawcite]

Stallone one of my inspos for sure. He down plays that last scene in First Blood. It's such a great scene, I always tell ppl who never maybe got the essence of that movie, and that character, or never seen Stallone go there, that s the scene to watch. And to hear him confirm it as a fan is super cool. One of the GOATS right here.

[@josegonzalescedillo2399]

I love Sylvester Stallone my blessings for him and family I meet him in person he is humble I love you Stallone keep punching 👊 ❤ 💙 🇺🇸👍💪

[@Crowka274]

The boss has spoken.

[@ragemachine3]

sylvester stalone GOAT

[@Omarshrif1988]

Broski's..all you bludy move fans, stallion is top5 actor best in world facts he is simply world class he is the most consistent giving everyone wot they want his presence on screen is phenomenal I hope he keeps punching

[@sisterspoof23]

16:45 21:48 25:00 31:42 43:43

[@GatsuRage]

a shame the clips aren't included for context but regardless a great video to upload! Stallone is always a great person to listen to and learn from!

[@DanJanTube]

fire the soundman. lavalier mics go OUTSIDE the clothing

[@elvinsworld11]

Lovely

[@blathy2]

Rocky.. best movie !!!

[@davidl.5981]

❤️👏👏

[@Slem7]

The Greatest Actor Director Producer in History of Cinema ❤

[@tinawagner4165]

What a great interview. Thank you for this.👍♥

[@yoadrianentertainment]

nice

[@saad2fan161]

Merci pour votre information force Time

[@arturlago-varjapetian3210]

✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

[@morgantough]

❤

[@jameshickey1294]

Its true Hollywood didn't like sly much at start of his career an thru his pure desire an dedication they had to once rocky hit the cinemas-- balboa has got to be the greatest character in movie history who inspired generations- sly did it🥊

[@WarriorEsoteric]

🙏❤

[@blagojelukic]

Top gost

[@jameshickey1294]

Cobra - kool -that car- rhinestone was funny even tho most slated it - balboa was absolutely great end to the story of the fight in life - never giv up -ill take that as my life just changed few weeks ago- sly -a real hero🤝

[@TheSunsRay]

30 min mark , Car chase, Cobra one of the best action scenes.

[@saintjimmy456]

When they edit the next Creed film, they can use the audio from these mics for the sound of shuffling feet and heavy breathing.

[@JosephDiveley]

I always loved Over the Top because as a kid I didn't know my father well because he worked as a merchant marine and was gone 9 months out of the year. So I understood the kids point of view. Then later when my wife cheated on me and ran off with my kids I felt the perspective of Stallone. I just think it's a great movie dealing with a very hard issue that wasn't told back then.

[@ncfox527]

This man is a genius.....I've always said so. He gives humanity to characters that others would've played as only "action" roles. He is always inspiring, imho. Just one question: Would it be possible to link the "clips" that were shared during this interview so we could see them as well?

[@lukeskywalker6809]

He should’ve won the Oscar for Rocky and should’ve received at least a nomination for First Blood.

[@lexkanyima2195]

For F.I.S.T and Cop Land

[@jimthar17]

Rocky won two Oscars. What are you talking about?

[@lukeskywalker6809]

@@jimthar17 Actually it won three: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, but Stallone, though having been nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Screenplay, didn't win any of them.

[@AIAudiobooks411]

hes jsut a good guy