Raging Bull

I’m very glad I finally got around to watching this. Part of the reason I decided on Scorsese for my director deep dive was to give me an excuse to watch some stone-cold classics for the first time, like this one.

Raging Bull is the true story of boxer Jake LaMotta. It almost feels like a hit-piece, quickly turning Jake into a villain (or at least, a deeply deeply flawed anti-hero). However, the real life Jake LaMotta was a consultant on this film, wanting it to be as true to life as possible. Considering all the terrible things Jake (Robert De Niro) does in this film, are the sins lessened because LaMotta is admitting to them? I don’t have an answer, but it is fascinating to think about.

More than anything, this film shines in the edit. The boxing scenes in particular are so well cut – a rhythmic dance timed to perfection, keeping us glued to the screen. You feel the intense weight behind every blow. You feel the pain of each punch. You can’t look away, no matter how much you want to. Thelma Schoonmaker, Scorsese’s editor for Who’s That Knocking at My Door, returns here (winning an Oscar!) – and edits every one of his remaining films.

Moreso than anything, this is a film about how Jake’s ego destroys his relationships with his wife and brother. The better Jake does in the ring (and he does do very well for himself) the bigger his head gets and the more his paranoia grows. He grows exceedingly jealous and paranoid that everyone his wife interacts with wants her, lighting his very short fuse to violence – even with his own brother (Joe Pesci in his first major film role). It was incredibly tragic to watch at times.

The film was nominated for eight Oscars, winning two (Best Actor for De Niro and the aforementioned Best Editing for Schoonmaker). It is very often in the discussion for “greatest movies of all time”.

This film marks the fourth collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro – each of the latter’s roles are unhinged and varyingly evil in their own way (a trend that will continue with most/all of their future collaborations).

Scorsese Ranked:

This was fascinating and infinitely interesting. I’m sure it’ll bounce around in my head for a long time to come.

1. Taxi Driver
2. Raging Bull
3. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
4. Mean Streets
5. Who’s That Knocking at My Door
6. New York, New York
7. Boxcar Bertha

Next week, The King of Comedy, a movie I’ve seen twice and love. I can’t wait to watch it again.