Eps 38: Raging Bull: Nice Artistic Approach, Terrible Movie
— THE JOKE
The 1980 film "Raging Bull" directed by Martin Scorsese is a visually stunning piece of art, but its storyline and character development fall flat. The film is based on the life of real-life boxer Jake LaMotta and portrays his abusive behavior towards those closest to him. Despite the strong performances by actors Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, the excessive violence and lack of redemption make the movie difficult to watch. While critics may laud "Raging Bull" as a masterpiece, it ultimately fails as a compelling narrative film.
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Ernest Price
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“Raging Bull” tells the story of Jake LaMotta, a fictionalized version of a real-life boxer who struggled both in and outside of the ring during his career in the 1940s and 50s. While the film is widely known for its stunning black and white cinematography, powerful performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, and a thrilling boxing sequence, there’s an underlying feeling of discomfort that is hard to ignore.
One of the biggest issues with “Raging Bull” is the violence. While boxing is inherently violent, the scenes outside of the ring are also filled with brutality. LaMotta is both physically and emotionally abusive to his wife, played by Cathy Moriarty, and the domestic violence is difficult to watch. Yes, this kind of violence was a reality for some people, but that doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable or necessary to portray in a movie.
Another problem is that there’s not much of a plot. The film relies heavily on LaMotta’s character arc, going from a successful young boxer to a washed-up, overweight has-been. While there is some merit to exploring the themes of jealousy, insecurity, and self-destruction, the movie ultimately feels like it’s treading water for over two hours with no real direction.
And even though it’s hailed as one of Scorsese’s masterpieces, many argue that it’s not his best work. Comparisons to “Goodfellas” are inevitable, and while there are certainly similarities, “Raging Bull” feels more like an experiment than a cohesive movie. It’s an exercise in style over substance, where the black and white cinematography is meant to be the real star.
Of course, it’s not all bad. There are moments of genuine artistry that make “Raging Bull” worth watching. One iconic scene is the boxing match between LaMotta and Sugar Ray Robinson, shot in stunning black and white with slow-motion shots to capture the raw intensity of the sport. De Niro’s physical transformation is also impressive, going from fit and lean to overweight and flabby in a matter of months.
On the whole, “Raging Bull” is a conflicted movie. The cinematography is breathtaking, the performances are powerful, but the domestic violence and lack of plot are both uncomfortable and frustrating. It’s not a movie that everyone will enjoy, and it’s certainly not Scorsese’s best work, but it’s still worth watching for the artistic approach to filmmaking and De Niro’s unforgettable performance.