It's All in the Details

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2001)

I won't go on and on about the storyline of this movie. What I do want to commend is the level of attention to detail this movie possesses. It starts with people...all sorts of crusty characters populate positions in the boxing underworld of Raging Bull. You can smell the Brylcream.
The best moment for these bit players; The workmanlike look on the referee's face as he walks to LaMotta's corner to tell him that Cerdan has retired from the bout and that he is the new champion. Meanwhile, the most dramatic violins play in the background giving the scene drama.
The visual details I just love...the in and ever-so-slightly out of focus shot of LaMotta's hand soaking in icewater...rotting wood in the lockeroom of the auditorium...paint which is worn away on the door to the Debonair Social Club...and lots more that I continue to notice every time I watch this movie.