Day
36 Raging Bull [1980]
Screenplay Paul Schrader & Mardik
Martin
Based on ‘Raging Bull: My Story’ by Jake LaMotta
with Joseph Carter & Peter Savage
Director Martin Scorsese
Cinematography Michael Chapman
Leads Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty,
Frank Vincent
Production Chartoff-Winkler
Productions
IMDb 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes 95%
It’s
a classic. A classic which did not disappoint compared to the last black and
white film I watched (day 12). It’s an unfair comparison as this film is twenty
years later but I preferred it way more. The acting is outstanding. The
relationship between the LaMotta brothers is portrayed so well by Pesci and De
Niro. It’s a brutal relationship, tough to watch at times, but I think that is actually what
makes it eminently watchable. Jake LaMotta (De Niro) is the antihero, we are
with him and against him in equal measure. His personality is despicable and
yet I still found myself wanting him to succeed for most of the film. It’s not really about the boxing, but rather about a
man’s complete inability to see a woman as anything other than in a domestic,
sexual role. It is a harsh commentary on how men used to treat women, and how
many women are probably still treated. The
ending brings justice upon his character, and yet he remains defiant
despite his multiple falls from fame and money. Rags to riches to rags. I will
emphasise again Pesci’s performance and also that of Cathy Moriarty who plays
Jake’s young wife. It’s a film so vivid and yet there’s no colour. It’s real,
it’s honest, it’s great.
Acting 4 / 4
Writing 3
/ 4
Cinematography 3.5
/ 4
Music 2
/ 4
HWF rating 3.5
/ 4