A Martin Scorsese Picture

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2017)

After watching the interviews on the special features disc I understood that I had to upgrade my rating for this film, from six stars to nine. In particular, the views of Oscar-winning Thelma Schoonmaker were decisive. Her words, as also those of the other interviewees, were exceptionally positive and persuasive. However, I still don't much like the picture.
It is noted on the internet that much of Scorsese's work addresses Sicilian-American identity, and Roman Catholic concepts of guilt, faith and redemption. His films also deal with machismo, misogyny, crime and gang conflict. Many of them are notable for their depictions of violence and liberal use of obscenity. In general, I find these topics, the vicious atmospheres and anti-ethical climate they generate, to be off-putting and negative. The after-taste is unpleasant. Sin, murder, steal as much as you've a mind to, just confess and Heaven will smile. As long as there's a crucifix above your bed. These values don't appeal. The story of Jake La Motta is remarkable, but not inspiring.
In spite of this, or because of it, Scorsese extracts uniformly great performances from his actors. De Niro was outstanding, not only for his extra 60 pounds; and Pesci and Moriarty were up with him, in the vividly lived-in reality of their roles.
Some comment on the movie's subject, Mr La Motta, seems necessary. As of this review, this man was still amazingly alive and well, aged 95. Now he has died. He is reported to have had the greatest chin in boxing history. Considering the treatment it endured, his body must have been encased in hardened leather, and his head constructed of concrete. In the extra features interview he was highly lucid, and unrepentant.