Not your typical boxing movie

Rating: 9/10 (21 August 2013)

This was a film that Robert De Niro wanted to make. Martin Scorsese initially thought the idea of making a boxing picture was an awful one. He hates all sports and had zero interest. But De Niro eventually won him over once Scorsese was able to see beyond the boxing and into the character beyond. Raging Bull is, like all the best sports films, only peripherally about the sport itself and is in reality a character study. And what an atypical man to base a drama around. The script came from Jake La Motta's memoirs. It is uncompromisingly about an unlikable violent man. La Motta was a middleweight boxing champion. Violent in and out of the ring and dangerously paranoid and insecure, he was brutal and animalistic. He actively enjoyed the fact he could take a beating and was very self-destructive – he ultimately went from world champion to sleazy nightclub owner. His story isn't uplifting like most sports dramas. It's harsh and unflinching. There are no typical underdog boxing movie moments or montages in this one.
Much has been said about Robert De Niro's turn in the central role. But with very good reason as this truly is an acting tour de force. He famously gained over 50 pounds to play the washed up older La Motta. This determination to take himself from prize-fighter shape to obesity is simply incredible but the natural brilliance of his performance overall is peerless. He is ably supported with a great cast, most notably Joe Pesci as his brother Joey and Cathy Moriarty as his wife Vickie. While Scorsese's bold visual style and typical gritty dramatic forcefulness combine to fantastic effect. The period detail and sumptuous black and white photography seal the deal and ensure that there is a timeless visual quality to Raging Bull too. Surprisingly it didn't do so well at the box office despite critical appreciation and Oscar nominations. It was probably too difficult and out of time for the 80's. But subsequently, it has been regarded by many as one of the best from that decade.