Raging Bull (1980)
Raiting: 
8,1 /10
Genre: Biography
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty
Country: United States
Release date: 14 November 1980
Length: 129 minutes
"Raging Bull", directed by Martin Scorsese in 1980, is a biographical film that delves into the complex and tumultuous life of the middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta. Based on LaMotta's memoir, the film is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a man driven by his demons both in and out of the ring. Robert De Niro's legendary performance as LaMotta earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying the film's place in cinematic history.
The film opens with an overweight LaMotta reciting a monologue in a smoky nightclub, a far cry from his days of glory. The narrative then flashes back to the Bronx in the 1940s, where LaMotta is a young, up-and-coming fighter. His fierce temper and self-destructive tendencies are evident from the start, both in his professional and personal life. Despite his talent, his inability to control his rage hinders his career and damages his relationships.
LaMotta's story is told through a series of pivotal fights and personal milestones, including his marriage to his second wife, Vickie, played by Cathy Moriarty. His obsessive jealousy and paranoia lead to abusive and manipulative behavior towards Vickie and his brother Joey, portrayed by Joe Pesci. LaMotta's suspicion and insecurity poison his interactions, and his life outside the ring becomes as violent and erratic as his boxing style.
Scorsese uses these moments to explore the themes of self-destruction, redemption, and the struggle for self-control. The boxing scenes are shot with a visceral intensity that conveys the brutality of the sport, while also serving as a metaphor for LaMotta's internal battles. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography by Michael Chapman adds to the gritty realism and the psychological depth of the narrative.
As LaMotta's career progresses, his personal life deteriorates. His behavior grows increasingly erratic, and his professional decline begins. After losing his title, LaMotta's life spirals downward, culminating in a pathetic stint as a nightclub owner and entertainer. In the end, an older, fatter LaMotta reflects on his past, quoting the famous lines from "On the Waterfront" about a chance that was never taken, embodying his regrets and his search for redemption.
"Raging Bull" is not just a sports movie; it is a character study of a deeply flawed individual who is both his own worst enemy and his greatest adversary. Scorsese's direction, combined with De Niro's transformative performance, creates a film that is as emotionally exhausting as it is cinematically exhilarating. It is a stark portrayal of a man raging against himself, a bull in the ring of life, forever haunted by the bells of his own making.
Top cast - Raging Bull (1980)
Bernie Allen
Comedian
Lori Anne Flax
Irma
Trailer - Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" (1980) is not merely a film about boxing but a profound exploration of the human condition, captured through the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta. With an unforgettable performance by Robert De Niro, the film delves into the psyche of a man battling far more than just his opponents in the ring. This is a story of rage, jealousy, and redemption, masterfully crafted by one of cinema's greatest directors.
From the opening credits, with LaMotta shadowboxing in the ring, Scorsese sets the tone for a film that is as much a visual poem as it is a biographical drama. The choice to shoot in black and white enhances the gritty realism of the 1940s and 1950s, creating a timeless quality that underscores the universal themes of the film. De Niro's transformation into LaMotta is nothing short of astonishing, gaining a significant amount of weight for the role and capturing the boxer's volatile spirit with terrifying accuracy.
Scorsese's direction is impeccable, using innovative camera techniques to immerse the audience in the brutal world of boxing. The fight sequences are choreographed and shot with such intensity that they feel disturbingly real, serving as a metaphor for LaMotta's internal struggles. The film's editing, particularly in these sequences, is rhythmic and visceral, contributing to the overall sense of immersion.
However, "Raging Bull" is not solely defined by its technical brilliance. At its core, it is a character study, examining LaMotta's complex relationships with his wife Vickie and his brother Joey. The film portrays LaMotta as a man consumed by jealousy and insecurity, traits that lead to his downfall both professionally and personally. These themes are explored with sensitivity and depth, making LaMotta a deeply flawed yet somehow sympathetic character.
The supporting performances, especially Joe Pesci as Joey and Cathy Moriarty as Vickie, are outstanding, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The screenplay, co-written by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin, is sharp and insightful, capturing the essence of LaMotta's memoir while also elevating the story to a universal level.
"Raging Bull" is a cinematic masterpiece, a film that transcends the sports genre to become a poignant study of masculinity, violence, and redemption. It is a testament to Scorsese's genius as a filmmaker and De Niro's skill as an actor. The film's impact on cinema is undeniable, influencing countless filmmakers and remaining a powerful and relevant work of art. "Raging Bull" is not just a film to be watched but an experience to be felt, a haunting portrait of a man fighting against himself.