The Pretender takes you inside Mike Kunda’s life, revealing the origins of his fascination with the Rocky character and how it continues to shape his life.
Mike has spent the last 40 years of his life focusing on every aspect of the Rocky films and on his fictional hero Rocky Balboa. He searches to find meaning in his Rocky obsession and to become the person he really wants to be. Mike’s journey is an emotional trip through themes of obsession, passion, and inspiration, in the end showing that even the most seemingly unrealistic goals might prove to offer the most rewarding and fulfilling life of all.
We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with editor Danny Gianino about his role in the production. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Danny! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to speak with you about The Pretender. Tell us about your role as editor.
Thank you! I got involved with the project a few years ago. Jim, the director, told me about this Rocky impersonator/super fan he had met in Philadelphia and that he was working on a doc about him. He had a hard drive full of footage he had shot and asked if I wanted to help. As an avid Rocky fan, I was very excited about the project. I didn’t know much about what I was getting into or what to expect from the footage. Going through it, I was struck at how engaging and full of energy this guy was. I was expecting some sort of cheesy Stallone look alike, but this guy was the real deal. He was like the ambassador to the Rocky universe and lived and breathed the film and its message. His parents and family also opened up about Mike in a very emotional and honest way, and that also took me by surprise. I realized there was a lot more to this guy and his family beneath the surface and that’s when I felt like we had a great opportunity to make a compelling piece.
What was the one thing you had to accomplish to tell this story?
This was the first documentary feature I had ever worked on, so the process was very new to me. We had to figure out how to create an engaging and coherent narrative and also show Mike in an objective and honest way. He was not a one-dimensional guy and we felt like we had to communicate that in the film. And I think we did a pretty good job of that. People watch the film and react differently to Mike and his story it and I think that is a good thing.
What was the biggest takeaway that has had a positive effect on the film?
I think the biggest takeaway from the film is that people identify with Mike’s drive and desire to follow his dreams and make a living doing something that he loves to do. I think that is universal – no matter how strange or unconventional it may be.
What do you hope to accomplish with the film?
I hope that the film gets enough recognition to give us the ability to do another!
When choosing edits, what did you look for?
We looked for capturing the most sincere moments. We had a rule that if something seemed dishonest or manufactured we would cut it. Mike was such an outgoing and enthusiastic person, sometimes it seemed like he was playing host on camera rather being himself. We found while that stuff could be entertaining it took you away from the story and Mike’s true character.
What was your favorite scene?
My favorite scene is when Mike ships a book that he wrote to Sylvester Stallone. He calls it “one big thank letter to Stallone” and it’s an autobiography on Mike’s life and his love for the Rocky character. It is a very big moment for Mike and his wife Sue and I think you can feel it when you watch it. Unlike much of the rest of the film, this scene doesn’t rely on interview voice-over narration and there’s no music either. It’s very raw and feels very live. You can feel the nervousness and excitement through Mike’s actions and body language. It’s intense, kind of funny and a bit awkward all at once. For some reason, this scene draws me in every time.
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What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on the film?
I had to learn to let go of scenes and moments that I really liked if they didn’t add value to the narrative or keep the story moving. It was tough for me to separate myself from the project and look at it from an outside, objective perspective after working on it so closely. Thankfully, we were able to rely on friends and other professionals in the industry to give us their advice and be able to watch the film through their eyes.
What has been your favorite experience in editing The Pretender?
Jim and I had started a video production company in Detroit around the same time we started working on the film. When we needed an escape from more corporate related work and were able to find the time, we would work on the doc. It was a lot of fun to be able to work on it and not be bound by any restrictions outside the work itself. Arguing about whether a scene works or not or why, or where it belongs was a fun learning experience. We really gave it our all, for no other reason then trying to make a good film, and that was a freeing feeling.
When looking back on the film, what resonated with you the most and why?
What resonates with me the most is Mike’s passion and willingness to follow his crazy, bizarre dreams. It definitely inspires me.
In your opinion, how could this film make an impact on the world?
I think that when people watch this film they may be inspired by Mike’s passion and determination, and apply that same mentality to their own life’s goals and ambitions.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to edit this film? Would you do anything differently?
I would definitely do it again if I had to choose. It’s hard to say if I would do anything differently since it was such a learning experience. I think the lessons I learned editing this film will help my approach on the next one.
Connect with The Pretender:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepretendermovie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Pretender-Movie-1647199768686728/
Web: https://www.thepretendermovie.com/
Featured Image: BTS look at Danny with Mike Kunda the Rocky Impersonator.
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