Title

Rocky IV as a Groundbreaking Film (2023-2024)

Authors

Matthew Croote, SUNY CortlandFollow

Files

Description

In this research inquiry example, Croote analyzes a later film in the Rocky franchise in order to argue for its understanding as a groundbreaking film. His argument takes up three major points—that Rocky IV is an effective reflection of Cold War events of the time, that Rocky IV deftly uses sport as a vehicle for its narrative, and that Rocky IV maintains its main message and cohesion within the franchise by entertaining audiences. Within the research and sources cited in this piece, Croote unpacks visual representations of characters, stereotypes and possible propaganda, and the metaphors of training to explore Cold War tensions. Ultimately, Croote also acknowledges but argues against the idea of the film as purely propaganda, but instead a popular film exerting its influence in delivering a slightly different message ahead of Cold War de-escalation.

Publication Date

2023

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Rocky IV, Cold War, USSR, film analysis, Rhet dragons, research inquiry

Disciplines

Communication | Education | Rhetoric and Composition

Recommended Citation

Croote, Matthew, "Rocky IV as a Groundbreaking Film (2023-2024)" (2023). Research Inquiry. 12.
https://digitalcommons.cortland.edu/rhetdragonsresearchinquiry/12