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Stallone: First Blood's Rambo was autistic
25 Jan
Summary
- Sylvester Stallone believes Rambo's character traits suggest autism.
- He controversially rewrote First Blood's script, avoiding a violent depiction.
- Stallone considers First Blood his best action movie due to acting technique.
Sylvester Stallone recently shared his perspective on the character John Rambo, portraying him as potentially on the autism spectrum. Stallone believes Rambo's difficulties in coping and expressing emotions stemmed from this, especially following his traumatic Vietnam War experiences.
Stallone revealed he significantly altered the initial "First Blood" script. The original draft depicted Rambo as a homicidal maniac; Stallone rewrote it to present Rambo as someone who attempts to avoid violence, only resorting to it when provoked by the town's sheriff.
He considers the 1982 film "First Blood" his best action movie, defining "action" by acting technique rather than just fight sequences. Stallone’s subdued performance conveyed Rambo’s trauma through physicality and expression, a stark contrast to the character's later more explosive portrayals.
The nuanced, emotional portrayal in "First Blood" was largely lost in subsequent sequels like "Rambo: First Blood Part II," which celebrated military might. "First Blood" remains a poignant and political film, unlike its more action-heavy successors.
