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Stallone: Coppola wept over empty theater
30 Sep
Summary
- Stallone recalled Coppola's distress over low attendance.
- Coppola's early film 'The Rain People' failed commercially.
- Stallone learned filmmaking working as a theater usher.
Before achieving stardom, Sylvester Stallone worked as a movie theater usher, a period he now credits for his extensive filmmaking education. During this time, he observed Francis Ford Coppola visiting the theater for his 1969 film, 'The Rain People.' Stallone recalls seeing Coppola become visibly upset upon discovering the meager audience of only eight people, highlighting the director's initial struggles.
This early experience with 'The Rain People,' a film that notably failed to resonate with audiences, stands in stark contrast to Coppola's subsequent career trajectory. Just two years later, in 1972, Coppola directed 'The Godfather,' a cinematic masterpiece that garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Stallone's memoir, 'The Steps: A Memoir,' details these recollections and emphasizes the importance of dedicated practice in mastering one's craft. He believes that the lessons learned from such early career challenges, including Coppola's experience with 'The Rain People,' were instrumental in shaping his and Coppola's eventual success.
