Tuesday 8 September 2015

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1976: Carl Weathers in Rocky

Carl Weathers did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Apollo Creed in Rocky.

Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed was actually the only mainstay of the Rocky series, with a large role, that was not nominated for the 1976 Academy Awards. That's unfortunate as this also extends to the character of Apollo is not frequently mentioned in terms of the strength of the original film. Not that he's in any way a criticized element, but rarely is given the credit it should be in terms of the writing and the performance. Since the film is about Rocky (Sylvester Stallone), and his struggle it would have been easy enough to deal with his eventual opponent, The World Heavyweight Champion, as either a non-entity entirely or perhaps an overdone villain. Apollo is neither of those things and through his few scenes throughout the film we get an rather interesting character. His first appearance is for show as we see him on TV handling an interview. Weathers is excellent in his development of Creed's mannerisms in this scene as he takes on Muhammad Ali's style mannerisms of almost dancing when speaking, yet Weathers alters them enough to make them his own in making Apollo not just an imitation.

The next time we see Apollo though it is in a more private setting as he tries to come up with a new fighter for his bi-centennial fight, after his previous opponent must recover from an injury. Weathers is terrific because he does not just present Apollo as he was in the interview, instead he shows frankly a very different man. The mannerisms are still there but only to a far more muted, frankly a far more natural degree. Weathers presents Apollo as much more of a business man in the scene as he discusses the raw facts of what they need to do for the fight. That's not all though and Weathers is brilliant in portraying Apollo as he is basically his own promoter as he comes up with the idea for the fight, which is to get a local nobody a chance at the World Championship belt. There is a special glint in his eyes, and Weathers is marvelous in giving the idea such light as he develops it in his head before pitching it to the rest of the men. In his eyes Weathers conveys so well basically the dollar signs in Apollo's eyes as he states he details of the ideas and even more so when he finds the perfect fighter, none other than the Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa.

Weathers also technically helps in giving more sense to why Rocky stands a chance, who in this film is not a great fighter. As Weathers shows that there is never the fight on his mind except just a few brief reassurances to his trainer, where Weathers exudes such confidence in his wave away of any potential challenge showing that it is obvious to Apollo that Rocky is not worth a second thought. Most of the time though it is all about the returns of the fight. This eventually leads to the fight itself which Weathers portrays the true showman in Apollo particularly in his over the top entrance. Weathers is extremely entertaining in portraying just the whole pomp of Apollo as his act is clearly trying to get the most of the crowd. The whole put on is absurd and purposefully so as Weathers makes it the true performance it should be with the mannerisms more overt than ever before since the whole crowd needs to see them. His whole physical of portrayal of the fight is worthy of mention as he actually makes a bit of an arc within it. In the opening he continues the act as Weathers continues to be properly over the top as even his punches are done as rather ridiculous and only for the show. Eventually though Rocky shows that he's in for the fight, and Weathers properly adjusts his performance to an actual match. As it continues though Weathers is great in depicting an ever growing intensity, as well his own physical pain, as he finally takes the fight seriously. Weathers gives a strong performance here by finding the depth to Apollo past simply Rocky's opponent. He's far more than that as Weathers develops, in just a few scenes, the whole way this true prizefighter operates, as a businessman, as a promoter, an entertainer, and when he needs to be a fighter.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wasn't expecting a 4,5.
Ratings on these westerns:
The Searchers
The Gunfighter
The Ox-Bow Incident
Winchester '73
High Noon
El Dorado
Rio Bravo

Calvin Law said...

Completely agree with this review. Love him, and how he develops his character over the course of the series.

Calvin Law said...

I have to ask Louis, what do you think of Rocky's screenplay? I actually think it's one of my favourite elements, a lot of the complexities you mentioned about Weathers comes hand in hand with it and, overall, I rather like the dialogue. I can definitely see why Stallone's script was quite a hot commodity even if he himself, when shipping himself as lead, was not.

Calvin Law said...

Lastly; SO happy you've moved Stallone up to a 3.5.

Calvin Law said...

Actually very lastly, thoughts and ratings on the cast of The Eagle Has Landed, as well as thoughts on the film itself.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I kinda wish Louis would upgrade Stallone's rating in Cop Land to a 4. He's very good in that.

Michael McCarthy said...

I've been meaning to ask this for a while Louis, but what are your ratings and thoughts on Clemence Poesy and Thekla Reuten in In Bruges? Because I actually think they both add a lot to the film.

Calvin Law said...

LOVE Poesy in In Bruges. A very throwaway character made into just the most charming, lovable presence with a darker comic bent, that you really want Ray to have a future with. As for Reuten I need a re-watch but she was really good in that hotel 'standoff' scene.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I'm very pleased with this review, he's a 4.5 for me on re-watch. :)

Rating & Thoughts on Michael Caine in The Eagle Has Landed.

Michael McCarthy said...

The thing that was so great about Poesy is that her character seemed like the kind of person who could get herself involved in the same kind of crazy situations that Ray was in, which made it completely believable that the two would fall for each other. Reuten I thought, even though she had limited screen time, was very good in creating a motherly presence to the immaturity happening all around her.

Anonymous said...

I agree, Posey and Reuten were very good in In Bruges.

Calvin Law said...

So I just saw the trailer for Demolition and my anticipation's gone up from nil to a considerable bit. The tone's definitely bit different to what I expected but that seems like a good thing. I think Gyllenhaal will be great, seems like a fresh take on a familiar story, and anything that can put Chris Cooper and Naomi Watts in Oscar contention too? All the better.

Anonymous said...

"Carol" Official Trailer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3zcuRQXNo
OH.MY.GOD. I can't wait, really.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Saw the trailer earlier and I could see either Mara or Blanchett as Louis' #1 for Lead Actress this year.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I cannot wait for Carol. It looks so sublime.

Anonymous said...

Guys, have you seen the Our Brand Is Crisis trailer? It dropped my expectations down, I thought it would be politically satyrical but it seems like "Americans saving the world again". And Sandra Bullock... looks like she just ended shooting Blind Side and went straight to this - same face, same voice, as always. It's impressive how her voice work is awful.

Anonymous said...

Carol looks promising. Blanchett and Mara will be amazing.
Anonymous: Haven't seen it.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I saw it earlier today and let's just say, we'll see how it goes, though my first impressions aren't good at all.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Bullock is not my problem with that trailer. She looks fine. The film itself looks like a typical "white person saves foreign country" movie. THAT bothers me.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Agreed.

Anonymous said...

So, I've seen that trailer and I'm not impressed. Seems like the "great" actress known as Sandra Bullock is aiming for a second Oscar.

Robert MacFarlane said...

After Gravity, I'm fully willing to let her do whatever the hell she wants.

Anonymous said...

Robert: Seems like she really wants to expand her range.

Anonymous said...

Oops. Accidentally posted my comment twice.

Calvin Law said...

Sandra Bullock is a great actress, and has always been. She can do comedy, drama, all with aplomb. Far better than some of her overrated contemporaries.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Are you serious? Or just joking? I seriously hope you're joking. I wouldn't never call Sandra Bullock a great actress. She's a movie star, not an actress. Same with those other Oscar winners whose career went to shit.

Robert MacFarlane said...

So are you just going to ignore Gravity's existence, or...?

Matt Mustin said...

Gravity is the one and only time she's been great as far as I'm concerned.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Ah hold off an ratings just for the moment.

Calvin:

I think the screenplay is quite great actually since Stallone's work gives life to more than just Rocky, but everyone around him even seemingly minor characters like Joe Spinell's loan shark. I think its a lot smarter than a lot of people give it credit for.

The Eagle as Landed I thought was a rather enjoyable old fashioned War Action film in that classic style in the vein of Where Eagles Dare and The Guns of Navarone. I don't think it necessarily is exceptional in any of its qualities, and maybe some a bit less than functional, that's mostly involving the romantic sub-plot that still feels like its setting up a non-existent film sequel. Also I won't say the Nazi POV entirely works, although kudos for trying. Nevertheless its an entertaining film with some memorable characters and performances.

Caine - 3(He is overshadowed by two of his co-stars almost completely. Nevertheless Caine still is charismatic enough in the lead role. He certainly fulfills what's needed for the part, while besides a German accent. I normally wouldn't bring it up but everyone else bothers with it so it is a bit more noticeable)

Sutherland - 4(His whole plot line I do feel a bit unresolved, and I was not surprised to find out that his character was featured in a book sequel. Sutherland manages to make up for it by being such an engaging presence still. Sutherland is very good in creating a distinct devilish sort of charm in the role, while effectively undercutting it with subtle emotional moments showing that his whole personality is hiding a far more vulnerable man.)

Duvall - 4(The other guy along with Sutherland who overshadow Caine. I won't say his accent is quite perfect, but it's actually pretty good. Past that though Duvall does well to convey the reserved determination of his character, and effectively conveys a certain passion that suggests a more noble sentiment to Radl's plan. I was disappointed when he did not go on the mission, although this is made up for some what by Duvall's reaction of exasperation which is so darkly humorous when Radl learns of the charge against him.)

Agutter - 2.5(Can't say I've seen a performance of hers that's impressed me all that much yet. Here I feel she needed just a bit more likability as she is unable to alleviate just how despicable and selfish her character really is, despite the film seeming as though it is trying to attempt a different tone for her subplot)

Quayle - 2.5(He's fine but given too little to do)

Pleasence - 3.5(He's excellent in his couple of scenes as he presents a truly evil man opposed to the other Nazis we spend time with in the film. Pleasence has the right sinister grace about him as one can see his despicable intent in his eyes as he approves the plan, while it is obvious he will take none of the blame if it fails)

Michael:

Poesy - 4(It's is actually rather easy to take her performance for granted considering the strength of the trio of Gleeson, Farrell and Fiennes. She doesn't steal any attention away from them to be sure, but I do think she offers some fine support as I quite like her chemistry with Farrell, and she exudes a natural warmth while having just enough of a dark comedic edge about herself)

Reuten - 3.5(She's certainly enjoyable in the stand off scene, and a bit moving when Ray let's out his little confession. I like her performance as she has a certain dead pan quality to work by simply making her character seem like a mature person around the insanity of Ray and Harry in particular.)

Anonymous said...

Robert: No, but giving one great performance does not make you a great actor. Bullock is that way, great in Gravity, lackluster in everything else.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I've mentioned I actually found her to be one of the redeeming qualities of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, plus I actually loved her chemistry with McCarthy in The Heat. In fact, her work post-Oscar win I actually find to be pretty good in general. I even say this as someone who LOATHES her work in The Blind Side, too.

Calvin Law said...

She's great in Miss Congenitality, The Blind Side (in my opinion), Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Lake House. No, none of them are great films, but they all have excellent performances from Bullock.

Calvin Law said...

She's great in Miss Congenitality, The Blind Side (in my opinion), Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Lake House. No, none of them are great films, but they all have excellent performances from Bullock.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: as always, glad you liked Sutherland. Is he a high possibility for any future bonus round reviews?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Law, would you please show thy ratings of those so-called excellent performances of the great actress known as Sandra Bullock that she gave in those poor films?

Robert MacFarlane said...

You know, you could be nicer about it.

Anonymous said...

Robert: Just being sarcastic, man.

Calvin Law said...

Miss Congenitality: 4.5
The Blind Side: 4
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close:4
The Lake House: 4.5

I would also give her a 5 for Gravity, and a 4 for The Heat. And a 3.5 for Speed.

Matt Mustin said...

Oh, I forgot about Speed. Yeah, I guess she was alright in that. I guess.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: It's one of my favourite 1990s action flicks. Granted it's incredibly, incredibly dumb, but such a fun watch, and though Dennis Hopper is definitely giving a lesser variation of better performances, he's still loads of fun to watch. Also I've always liked Keanu more than most, as a leading man.

Calvin Law said...

Party on dudes!

Anonymous said...

Oh, man, I love Speed. Hopper steals the show in that.

Matt Mustin said...

I like Speed too, I just don't generally remember Sandra Bullock when I think of it.

Calvin Law said...

That's true, I give her a 3.5 largely due to her chemistry with Keanu, as well as some of the humour she brings to her role. Although my favourite supporting actor in that film would probably be (not Hopper, not Bullock) but Alan Ruck/Cameron Frye as one helluva obnoxious, entertainingly so, passenger.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I have to admit that Keanu's performance in Speed is my favorite of his. Like Cooper, Peck and Heston, he's better suited for stoic roles.

Calvin Law said...

Anyway I'm always up for a normally lackluster actor or actress to surprise me with a great performance. For example, Julia Roberts in The Normal Heart. Dan Stevens in The Guest.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: he's a solid action hero, as always there, but my favourite performance of his has to be A Scanner Darkly, he's in my top 5 in a very competitive 2006 lead. I also love him in John Wick, and of course Bill & Ted films.

Calvin Law said...

I would disagree with Peck being suited to stoic rules though. In my view his best performances have been those which espouse warmth (TKAM, Keys to the Kingdom, The Gunfighter, Roman Holiday), or are larger than life (Macarthur, The Boys from Brazil). The only time I thought his stoic approach worked was in The Omen. Otherwise it's just fine but nothing exceptional (Three O'Clock High)

Calvin Law said...

Agree completely about Heston and Cooper though. Although, wish Heston had had more of a chance to show off his Shakespearean chops over the course of his career.

Matt Mustin said...

Yeah, my God, Heston's monologue in Hamlet is *mesmerizing*.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Yeah, right, forgot about those tender performances. But he wasn't that good with facial expressions, that's what I'm saying. Same with Heston and Cooper.

Anonymous said...

Heston's monologue in Hamlet is really powerful.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Heston was such a weird actor. Could switch from powerful to dreadful in the same sentence.