Luke
stu-kicks
Tash Jayasinghe
CibbuanoRaging Bull
May 17th 2006 05:51
A deadset classic
This film is not a biography, it doesn't focus on the triumphs and failures of the subject's life, it barely even pays attention to his first wife (we don't even see their breakup) and it picks up halfway through his boxing career. Instead, it examines the downfall of La Motta, from title-holding boxing champion to overweight, and unfunny stand-up comedian.
Going the distance
This is one of Martin Scorcese's greatest films; the fact that it's in black and white makes you forget that it was made in 1980, it makes you forget that it could've been made during any time other than the 50s, so complete is the allusion. The all-important boxing scenes have seldom been matched in brutality and direction, each shot and angle going a long way to fortify the atmosphere. The editing is tight, and the musical score is moving.
One can't review this film without mentioning De Niro. This is the peak of his career, a milestone in 20th century method-acting even. De Niro is Jake La Motta, his hair, his expressions, even his voice, are spot-on. This isn't just imitation though, De Niro becomes the character, able to improvise his lines within the movie (a common practice in De Niro/Scorcese collaborations) without losing himself. His transformation from a muscular middle-weight boxer to a fat, sweaty has-been with breathing problems can only be seen to be appreciated.
This isn't a mainstream film, don't watch it expecting a fast-paced all-fighting Hollywood production. This is a careful construction of character, simmering with the bull-like anger of it's protagonist, and an amazing showcase of talents (De Niro and Scorcese).
HIGHLIGHTS: De Niro appears in various stages of weight; lean and muscular, the pudginess between fights and bloated middle-age. The improvised scenes between De Niro and Joe Pesci are so perfect that they're hard to pick.
Enough said
Look out for John Turturro as an extra in a restaurant scene, it's his first film.
De Niro
DIRECTOR: Martin Scorcese
WRITER: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin
ACTORS: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Frank Vincent.
SOURCE: Jake La Motta’s autobiography.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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I didn't realize Turturro was in it...
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With the Aviator? what has he done lately?
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