Raging Bull

UK Release Date: 19 February 1981

Certification: 18

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Nicholas Colasanto, Mario Gallo, Cathy Moriarty, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent

Rating: 87%

Review:

The film that saved both Martin Scorsese's career and life. A biography of Jake LaMotta's life, one of the most famous boxers of his time - for both the right and wrong reasons - Raging Bull is a character study masked as a sports film.

From a filmmaking standpoint this is outstanding. Some exceptional camerawork which isn't really a surprise considering it's Scorsese. The way he shoots that dolly of LaMotta whilst he's in the ring is absolutely iconic, emphasising his descent into madness and inability to deal with both jealousy and anger. That whole scene in fact is simply riveting cinema. 

The decision to have the film play out in black and white benefitted the viewing experience for me. Distinguishing Raging Bull from other works of the time. Acting as a symbolic tool - LaMotta's life was far from glamorous and the only aspects of his life that he remembered fondly played out in colour. 

Robert De Niro is terrific as Jake LaMotta. This is one of the most acclaimed performances of his  esteemed career alongside the likes of The Deer Hunter, Once Upon a Time in America and Taxi Driver. Convincing in every moment as his mind derails and unravels, cracking under the pressure of trying to maintain a semblance of sanity. Throughout the course of the runtime he is the metaphorical 'Raging Bull', a ticking time bomb waiting to be set off. He completely self-destructs. It's impossible to relate to Jake but by the end of Raging Bull, the audience can't help but pity a man who ruined his life purely . Thoroughly deserving of the Oscar win. It's a performance that allegedly brought Jake LaMotta to tears upon seeing the film, immediately apologising to his family for his actions. Similarly, when concerning authenticity, Jake's brother, Joey, ended up suing the production for a supposed unflattering depiction of him. That's down to the realistic portrayal from the legendary Joe Pesci. De Niro and Pesci share a legitimate bond as a result of living with each other before filming to give as good of a performance as possible. It feels a lot more subdued compared to Pesci's other roles - simply due to De Niro's animosity - but he is nothing short of immense. 

A surprising aspect of Raging Bull is the lack of time spent with the boxing. It takes a back seat and isn't as pivotal to the story as I would have expected. It instead, acts as more of a benchmark to events in LaMotta's life. The ring grows larger to allow LaMotta to express his violent outbursts. Framing the ring as a cage, it shrinks to display that Jake is trapped in his own mind with a lack of self-control. However, when the boxing does take centre stage it is well choreographed. Shockingly violent, backdropped by a smokey-like haze. 

Martin Scorsese said it best - "Jake LaMotta fought like he didn't deserve to live."