Bluffmaster's Take on Raging Bull
The direction is flawless. From the initial inspired shot of Jake La Motta shadow boxing in the ring, we know that we are experiencing a work of true cinematic art. Scorsese's inspiring touch was to shoot the film in black and white. It adds atmosphere, underlines the brutal drama that is La Motta's life, and of course, enhances the gritty realism of the fight scenes where we join the boxers in the ring. There is no escaping the brutality of the fights. The confusion of sounds, glaring white light and Oscar-winning editing make these scenes unique and unmatched by any other film.
De Niro simply glows with brilliance in 'Raging Bull', like in none of his other films. His dedication to the role is astounding — going on a rigorous training program develop a boxer's physique and even competing in three actual boxing matches and then gaining 50lbs over a year to play a bloated overweight La Motta in later life. De Niro's presence, focus, remarkable attention to detail and great passion for the role all combine to make it the greatest acting performance in the history of modern cinema. Joined by two remarkable supporting performances from Joe Pesci as Joey and Cathy Moriarty as Vicky, the three main players bring the characters to life on screen with all their virtues and flaws in a way that is unfortunately rare to behold in films nowadays.
An example of true cinematic art, it combines brilliant and innovative film technique with a deep and provocative character study, and a raw unflinching look at the self-destructive element of masculinity. The violence and profanity must not deter anyone from appreciating this as a beautiful work of art. Simply put, Raging Bull is one of American cinema’s masterworks.
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty
Director: Martin Scorsese
Year: 1980
Ratings:
Story: A-
Acting: A+
Direction: A+
Visuals: A+
Bluffmaster's Grade: A
The direction is flawless. From the initial inspired shot of Jake La Motta shadow boxing in the ring, we know that we are experiencing a work of true cinematic art. Scorsese's inspiring touch was to shoot the film in black and white. It adds atmosphere, underlines the brutal drama that is La Motta's life, and of course, enhances the gritty realism of the fight scenes where we join the boxers in the ring. There is no escaping the brutality of the fights. The confusion of sounds, glaring white light and Oscar-winning editing make these scenes unique and unmatched by any other film.
De Niro simply glows with brilliance in 'Raging Bull', like in none of his other films. His dedication to the role is astounding — going on a rigorous training program develop a boxer's physique and even competing in three actual boxing matches and then gaining 50lbs over a year to play a bloated overweight La Motta in later life. De Niro's presence, focus, remarkable attention to detail and great passion for the role all combine to make it the greatest acting performance in the history of modern cinema. Joined by two remarkable supporting performances from Joe Pesci as Joey and Cathy Moriarty as Vicky, the three main players bring the characters to life on screen with all their virtues and flaws in a way that is unfortunately rare to behold in films nowadays.
An example of true cinematic art, it combines brilliant and innovative film technique with a deep and provocative character study, and a raw unflinching look at the self-destructive element of masculinity. The violence and profanity must not deter anyone from appreciating this as a beautiful work of art. Simply put, Raging Bull is one of American cinema’s masterworks.
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty
Director: Martin Scorsese
Year: 1980
Ratings:
Story: A-
Acting: A+
Direction: A+
Visuals: A+
Bluffmaster's Grade: A
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