Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg expressed excitement and fear in viewing Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood.
– Spielberg appreciated the film’s execution but criticized its potential to alter historical perspectives.
– The Jaws director was both entertained and angered by the movie.
– Spielberg’s comments resonate with those of First Blood author David Morrell, who was frustrated with the treatment of his character in the movie franchise.
Legendary Filmmaker Speaks on First Blood
Steven Spielberg is no stranger to the world of war movies. He’s brought us some of the most iconic cinematic portrayals of World War II we’ve seen. However, when it came to Sylvester Stallone’s 1982 action-packed film First Blood, Spielberg expressed mixed feelings. Not only was he keen on seeing the film, but he was also apprehensive about its potential message.
Keeping the Surprise Intact
Steven Spielberg valued the idea of being surprised by the films he watched. With First Blood’s release, he decided to avoid all chatter about the film until he’d gotten a chance to view it. When he finally did, his anticipation was met with a thrilling watch. Yet, Spielberg shared that the film was potentially a ‘dangerous’ cinematic experience.
Changing History, Spielberg’s Fear
Spielberg reported that First Blood was a well-crafted piece of cinema, though he found its alternative portrayal of history rather unsettling. Likening the film to a ‘this-is-the-way-it-should-have-been’ narrative, Spielberg voiced his concerns over its capacity to rewrite the past, while acknowledging its entertainment value.
He stated the film was incredibly charged, pulling audiences into its story. He humorously added that even the most passionate liberals could hardly deny how entertaining First Blood was. In fact, Spielberg confessed to simultaneously feeling entertained and annoyed watching the film.
Rambo: The Invention of Sylvester Stallone
Following the success of the Rocky movies, Sylvester Stallone starred in First Blood as a Vietnam war veteran forced to fight against a system that had turned against him. With a narrative weaving through numerous sensitive issues related to the Vietnam War, the film had a strong showing at the box office, grossing over $125.2 million.
Author’s Displeasure with Hollywood’s Rambo
David Morrell, the original author of First Blood, wasn’t all too happy about how Hollywood adapted his character, Rambo. Despite the success of the movie franchise, Morrell felt that Stallone’s Rambo on screen deviated significantly from his book’s anti-war protagonist.
In Hollywood’s rendition, Morrell’s character evolved into a figurehead for army recruitment. A reality which certainly contrasted with the novelist’s initial vision of an angry, disassociated war veteran waging his own personal campaign against war.
In later films, Morrell said Stallone wished to realign the character with its original path. However, the studios didn’t agree, and by the fifth installment, The Last Blood, the author claimed that the producers ceased communication with him entirely.
For fans and curious viewers alike, the conflict-ridden Rambo series remains accessible, with the full franchise now streaming on Paramount+.
To sum it up, Spielberg’s perspective on Stallone’s First Blood mirrors the film’s dramatic narrative. Both entertaining and concerning, the film’s impact remains significant even decades after its original release. As a thought-provoking piece of cinema history, First Blood offers viewers an intriguing deviation from conventional war movies, the auteurs’ intentions notwithstanding.
